Before hospice care can begin, a patient must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). There is no specific number of symptoms for admission into hospice care. However, a patient must have a life-limiting illness that should the disease run its normal course, they have a life-expectancy of 6 months or less. Some additional general eligibility requirements for hospice care can be found on our website here. The goal of hospice care is to increase quality of life by controlling pain and symptoms associated with their disease, for the remainder of their life. Hospice does not prolong life nor does it hasten death.
With the increased symptom management and care hospice provides, some patients do improve! Early referrals to hospice care are so important for the patient to experience all benefits it has to offer. We wrote a blog post a few months ago that explores early hospice referrals; check it out here.
Sometimes, patients improve so much that they can no longer receive hospice care. In these cases, the patient is discharged and referred to St. Anthony’s Palliative Care.
Many people view hospice care as a death sentence. However, many people get better once their symptoms are properly managed!
What happens when a patient is discharged from St. Anthony’s Hospice?
- It is determined the patient has an extended prognosis of longer than 6 months to live.
- It is the patient’s wish to stop hospice services.
- The patient moves out of the hospice service area.
- The patient is discharged for cause. In cases like this, the hospice medical director and care team determines the patient or caregiver is compromising the ability of the hospice to effectively provide care with disruptive, abusive, or obstructive behavior.
We make every effort to resolve issues before considering a discharge. However, if determined a discharge is needed, our Medical Director or the patient’s following physician will be consulted prior to discharging.
St. Anthony’s Hospice works with caregivers in advance of a discharge. We want our patients to have all the support and supplies needed for a smooth transition out of hospice care.
Can I return to St. Anthony’s Hospice care if I’m discharged?
If you are discharged from hospice care you can return to St. Anthony’s care once you meet the eligibility requirements again.
For more information or to refer yourself or a loved one to Hospice or Palliative Care, call us at (270) 826-2326 or make an online referral here.
