I'm curious. When a person who is terminally ill tells you that it has been suggested that they enter hospice, how long do they have left? Is there a standard amount of time left when someone should enter hospice?
I have a friend who is ill and she wont really say how long she has left. I want to be prepared when the time comes.
Thanks in advance!
Peace
2006-10-26 16:55:47 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
When the doctor feels a patient has about six months or less left, they will often refer patients to hospice (the six month or less prognosis is a requirement for admission to hospice). Hospice cares for patients wherever they are, the hospital, nursing home, assisted living, or their private residences. It is virtually impossible to say how long someone will live even when medicine has nothing curative left to offer. I have seen patients expected to live no more than a week last for a year or more. If your friend enters hospice (which I definitely recommend because she will receive nursing care and medications as well as other supportive care at no cost to her) she will be re-evaluated at regular intervals to see if she still qualifies. Also, the hospice I work for sees individual patients at least every other week and preferably more often. The misconception that we come only during the final weeks has been created because doctors often wait until the last minute to write a referral, especially with young patients because they don't want to believe that they cannot be "fixed" Hospice's goal is comfort and support of incurable, terminal illnesses, while general medicine focuses on curing illness.
People that are accepted to hospice occasionally "graduate" if they recover unexpectedly from their illness.
Overall, you will see a decline in your friend and hospice personnel will able to tell you when the end is imminent (specific signs are present when they are within 72 hours or so of the end)
2006-10-26 17:10:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hospice is just a form of care for those with terminal illnesses that appear to be progressing. They provide comfort and spiritual care. There is really no way for anyone to determine how long someone has left, that is left up to God. Ive had patients become better and come off of Hospice, dont get excited though. You should start preparing now anyways because different illnesses react differently on different people and can take a turn for the worst at anytime. I will keep you and your friend in my prayers, so sorry to hear God bless you and all around you.
2006-10-27 03:05:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The general guidelines for hospice referral include:
1) A patient life expectancy of 6 months or less, even with treatment;
2) A decision on the part of the patient and physician to pursue only palliative treatment (comfort measures) for the patient;
3) A desire on the part of the patient to spend his/her remaining days at home with family and friends instead of in a hospital.
But remember, these are only guidelines. No one, not even a doctor, can say for sure just how long a person has to live. The will to live and a positive attitude can keep a person alive longer than anyone could predict by evaluating the disease process alone. Some patients live for many months, and some even years, after they are referred to Hospice.
You can help your friend have that positive attitude and desire to live by talking about happy things, and doing as many happy things together as possible. Let her know you really care and want to be there for her.
2006-10-27 00:19:45 · answer #3 · answered by lifesbeautifulmelody 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, no standard, doctors still can't tell us exactly when it's our time. But normally it's not very long. A couple of months at best. Hospice usually starts when the person really has trouble taking care of the basic needs and the family is getting overwhelmed. Things like eating, going to the bathroom, dressing yourself. Administering pain medication is something they do too.
Hospice workers really do a great job. My mother in law had cancer (from smoking) and they really helped take the "edge" off what we all knew was coming. They always take donations and it's a good way to remember the people who they helped.
2006-10-27 00:01:32 · answer #4 · answered by shogun_316 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather just died in March and they entered him into hospice about two weeks before his death. And my other grandfather was on hospice for about a month before he passed. I don't think there's an exact prediction to when they enter them in but it is around the time when all they could do is done and the time is near. Sorry about your friend, you must be devastated to go through the passing of a fellow friend. I'll pray for you and your friend.
2006-10-27 00:08:14 · answer #5 · answered by TAMMY 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
usually they are in their final 6 months. And if the patient doesn't enter the hospice facility for assisted living, hospice will usually show at their house in the final week. Good luck.
2006-10-26 23:59:10 · answer #6 · answered by mixemup 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure every case is different. Here's my experience with Hospice.
I was told on Christmas eve 1988 to call hospice for my father who had lung cancer. He passed away 11 days later. Hospice helped with his care through the end and made his death easier for everyone.
Spend as much time with your friend as you can now, it will make it easier to handle the grieving processes.
2006-10-27 00:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by David D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one knows for sure, but usually 2-6 months. Hospice can be away from home or it can be carried out in home. It is simply the practice of making one as comfortable and "prepared" as possible as their time nears.
2006-10-27 00:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by ginarene71 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
MY MOTHER DIED AUG OF 2005 FROM ALZHEIMERS.
SHE WAS HOSPICE PATENT (AT HOME) FOR 18 MONTHS..
MOST OFTEN A DOCTOR (MUST RECOMMEND) WILL SUGGEST WHEN ONE YEAR OR LESS OF LIFE IS EXPECTED. I HAVE KNOWN SOME TO LIVE FOR OVER 3 YEARS BUT THE MAIN POINT IS DOCTOR DECIDES IT (HOSPICE) WOUL BENEFIT PERSON..
1 YEAR OR LESS RULE OF THUMB....
KEEP THE FAITH-PRAY.
2006-10-27 00:01:20 · answer #9 · answered by cork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually they only have a few weeks left.
I'm sorry about your friend.
2006-10-27 00:37:53 · answer #10 · answered by Demon Doll 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋