Understand
the signs
Learn what to look for as health changes.
Is It Time
for Hospice?
A Guide for Patients, Families
and Caregivers
You may not need hospice today. But if you or someone you love is living with a serious illness, you may be noticing changes and wondering what comes next.
You’re not alone.
We’re here to help.
Understand
Get your
questions answered
Know what to ask your doctor.
See a general
timeline
Understand what to expect along the way.
Learn how
hospice helps
More support. More comfort. A better quality of life.
Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind
Serious illness often changes slowly over time. Many families tell us they wish someone had helped them understand what signs to watch for earlier. This page will help you recognize common changes, know what questions to ask, and learn how hospice can help — so you can make thoughtful decisions before a crisis.
Asking about hospice does not mean giving up.It means learning about your options so you and your family can make decisions on your terms, not in an emergency.
A General Timeline: What to Look For
Every person’s journey is different. Illness does not follow an exact calendar, and these stages can occur earlier, later, or not at all. You don't have to wait for your physician to bring up hospice. You have the right to ask questions about your care and your options.
Around 12 MonthsBefore Hospice May Be Needed
Health may be changing, but life is still fairly active.
- More frequent doctor visits
- Increasing fatigue
- Slower recovery from illness
- New medications
- Occasional ER or hospital visits
- More difficulty with normal activities
Questions to Ask
- What changes should we expect over the next year?
- What symptoms should prompt a call to the doctor?
- Would palliative or supportive care be helpful now?
- What can we do now to avoid preventable crises?
Around 9 MonthsBefore Hospice May Be Needed
Symptoms may become more noticeable.
- Increasing weakness
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- More infections or flare-ups
- Greater difficulty with routines
- More symptoms requiring attention
Questions to Ask
- Are these changes expected with this illness?
- Should our goals of care be reviewed?
- Who should we call after hours if symptoms worsen?
- Would a hospice information visit be appropriate?
Around 6 MonthsBefore Hospice May Be Needed
Daily life may begin changing more noticeably.
- Spending more time resting
- Needing help with daily activities
- More hospitalizations
- Increasing pain or breathing problems
- Growing caregiver stress
Questions to Ask
- Could hospice help manage symptoms at home?
- Does my loved one meet hospice eligibility guidelines?
- What equipment or medications could hospice provide?
- How can hospice support the family caregiver?
Around 3 MonthsBefore Hospice May Be Needed
The body may begin slowing down.
- Significant weakness
- Sleeping more during the day
- Eating much less
- Increasing pain or breathing problems
- Difficulty leaving home
- Greater need for caregiver help
Questions to Ask
- Is hospice the right level of care now?
- How quickly can services begin?
- Can care be provided where my loved one lives?
- What support is available nights and weekends?
Signs It May Be Time to Talk
With Your Doctor About Hospice
Have you noticed several of these changes?
- Sleeping much more than usual
- Extreme fatigue after small activities
- Eating much less or weight loss
- More hospital or emergency visits
- Increased pain or shortness of breath
- Needing help with bathing or dressing
- Confusion or changes in thinking
- More difficulty managing symptoms at home
If several of these are happening, it may be time to ask your doctor: “Are we reaching a stage where hospice might help?”
Have questions before your next doctor's appointment?
Talk with Heartsong
Have questions before your next doctor's appointment?
Talk with Heartsong
How Hospice Helps
More than you might expect.
- Nursing care
- Manages pain, breathing, nausea and other symptoms.
- Hospice physician oversight
- Focuses on comfort and quality of life.
- Certified nursing assistants
- Help with personal care and daily activities.
- Social work support
- Guidance for emotional and practical needs.
- Spiritual care
- Available based on your beliefs and preferences.
- Medications and equipment
- Related to the hospice diagnosis may be provided.
- Support for caregivers
- You are part of the care plan.
- 24/7 help
- Someone to call when you need us.
- Bereavement support
- For 13 months after a loved one’s death.
Common Questions
You have the right to ask.
Does hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice focuses on comfort, symptom management, quality of life and support for both the patient and family.
Will my doctors still be involved?
Yes. Hospice coordinates care with your physicians and the hospice medical team.
Can I talk with hospice before I need it?
Yes. You can ask questions and learn about hospice without any obligation to enroll.
What does Medicare cover?
For eligible patients, the Medicare Hospice Benefit generally covers hospice services related to the terminal diagnosis, including visits, certain medications, equipment and supplies.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice is usually provided wherever a person calls home, including a private home, assisted living community or nursing facility.
How quickly can services start?
Usually, the same day. After a referral and eligibility review, the hospice team can explain next steps and work to begin services promptly.
What if we’re not ready yet?
You can still call Heartsong Hospice for information. Asking questions does not obligate you to enroll.
What happens after my loved one dies?
Hospice continues to support the family through bereavement services and grief resources.
Still have questions?We’re here to help.Call 803-722-0662
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
You may be reading this because something has changed. Perhaps you’re planning ahead. Perhaps treatment is getting harder. Or maybe someone has mentioned hospice and you’re not sure what that means.
You can simply call and ask questions.
No pressure. No obligation. Just answers.
It’s about
living well —
every day
that matters.
♡
living well —
every day
that matters.
♡
Let’s Talk.
Whether you need hospice today, six months from now,
or you simply want to understand it better — we’re here to help.
It’s heart
in hospice care.
in hospice care.