Admissions
Knowing When It's Time for Hospice:
It's both an art and a science
It's hard to know when it's time for Hospice. The standard test is for a physician to say he or she believes that the life expectancy for a person is six months or less.
There are methods that experienced physicians can use (see prognostication tools elsewhere on this site) to help them determine life expectancy, but judgement still must play a role.
Our medical staff at Hospice of The Gorge relies heavily on these sorts of tools to help us assess a person's appropriateness for hospice care. Still, given the range of factors to be considered, no tool can predict precisely how much time a person may have.
Physicians May Hesitate to Tell You
Keep in mind that your physician or other health care provider may not want to bring up the issue with you unless you specifically ask to be told.
There are many reasons for this. They may be uncertain of their diagnosis, they may want to "protect" you from the truth, they may think you would ask them if you wanted to know, or they may not be very good at communicating this sort of information.
So as difficult as it may be to ask the question, often it's better if you bring up the question yourself, as your physician may hesitate to do so.
Talking With Your Doctor
Even when you bring up the question, your physician may still hesitate. If you want your physician to be honest with you, be sure to say so.
Elsewhere on this website, you'll find an excellent tool that will help you to talk with your physician, and listen between the lines.
Ask For a Choice
If your physician recommends that it's time for hospice, please know that you can ask to be admitted to the hospice of your choice. Just as there's a choice of doctors, there's also choice of hospice organizations.
You have every right to choose, and every right to interview hospice organizations to see which one is right for you.
It Takes Courage
Coming to grips with matters of life and death takes courage. No one wants to hear bad news. That's normal.
But in the end, it's time that matters ... time to plan, time to spend with those you love, time to shore up the loose ends of life. Most of us want and need that time.
So as difficult as it may be to hear the answer, asking the tough question may be the best thing that you can do for yourself and for those you love.
