When is it time for hospice?

Our goal is to help you fulfill your wishes for end-of-life care, yet for you to remain independent for as long as possible.

Hospice care is generally appropriate for anyone facing a serious illness with a life expectancy of about six months or less. The expert care and support provided through hospice benefits anyone dealing with a life-limiting illness, including but not limited to cancer, advanced Alzheimer’s, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and kidney disease. When a cure is no longer possible, hospice care emphasizes comfort and quality of life, and helping support the relationships with those most important to you.

Choosing hospice doesn’t mean you are giving up. Nor does it mean getting care just for the last weeks or even days of life. By starting hospice care early, it can actually help you stay as active as possible for as long as possible. Effectively managing your pain and symptoms can help you enjoy life to the fullest of your abilities. With compassionate emotional support, you and your family can share valuable time together.

While hospice care is usually considered during the last six months of life, your physician will determine if you require care for a longer period of time. If your condition improves, your physician can approve discontinuing you from the program and you can re-start at a later time if needed. Additionally, if you choose to pursue aggressive or curative treatments, you may elect to discontinue hospice care.

Hospice of the Valley applies nearly 40 years of experience and professional expertise to provide leading hospice care, as well as emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.