How to Know When a Loved One May Be Ready for Hospice Care
If you need help now, contact Caritas Hospiceor start a patient referral.
It may be time to consider hospice when a loved one’s condition is declining, symptoms are harder to
manage, treatments are no longer helping as expected, or comfort and quality of life have become the main goals.
Common signs it may be time to ask about hospice
- Frequent hospital visits or emergency room trips
- Increasing pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or confusion
- Significant weight loss or reduced appetite
- More time spent in bed or needing help with daily care
- Treatments are becoming harder on the patient
- The family is unsure how to keep the patient comfortable at home
Hospice is not giving up. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and support. It can help patients receive care where they call home while giving families guidance during a difficult time.
Wondering if it may be time for hospice?
You do not need to make this decision alone. Caritas Hospice can listen, answer questions, and help you understand the next step.
Talk with Caritas Hospice
Hospice care may include skilled nursing, pain and symptom support, hospice aide services, spiritual care, and family guidance.
What happens after you call?
A hospice team can listen, answer questions, and help determine whether hospice may be appropriate. If the patient is eligible and chooses hospice care, the team helps coordinate admission and creates a care plan around the patient’s needs.
When to contact Caritas Hospice
You do not need to know whether your loved one fully qualifies before calling. If you are seeing decline or wondering whether hospice is the right next step, Caritas Hospice can help you understand your options.
You can also read our Hospice FAQ for answers about eligibility, coverage, referrals, and what families can expect.
Need guidance about hospice care?
Caritas Hospice can answer questions, explain services, and help families understand whether hospice care may be appropriate.
