When it is time to focus on living fully at the end of life, it is time to consult the experts at hospice. Many patients are referred to hospice too late to completely benefit from all of the services offered. It is better to err on the side of earlier access rather than later. If in doubt, call Affinity to discuss your situation with us.
While all admissions to hospice care must be approved and certified by a licensed physician, any individual may contact Affinity to express an interest in being admitted to hospice care or having a family member or loved one admitted to our care. Patients are seen in a variety of settings, whether it’s in their own home, a skilled nursing facility, hospital or assisted living facility.
Once the initial contact is made, our hospice care professionals can discuss possible resources available for your loved one and explain the steps necessary to determine eligibility for hospice care. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions or to request a referral – we will work with you and your physician to determine the most appropriate solution for your situation.
We are here to answer any general questions you might have about hospice care. Please do not hesitate to call us at 205.949.0400 or 866.697.0400.
When is Hospice Appropriate?
A patient may be considered a candidate for hospice care if one or more of the statements below apply:
- Patient is in the end stages of their terminal diagnosis
- Patient requires extensive physician intervention for unmanageable pain
- Patient has recurrent hospitalizations
- Patient has experienced extreme weight loss in a short period of time
- Patient has difficulty completing daily tasks such as dressing, feeding, etc.
- Patient is no longer seeking curative treatments for a life-limiting illness
- Physician has determined that hospice care is appropriate
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: Guidelines to Determine Hospice Eligibility
If you would like to refer a patient to our care, you may call us at 205.949.0400 or 866.697.0400, fax us at 205.949.0405, or email us at s.mckenzie@affinityhomehospice.com.
