Making Hospice Referrals Sooner

A hospice referral is a process that starts once a loved one or healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse or social worker recommends that a patient with a terminal illness receive hospice care. The referral starts an evaluation by a hospice care team to determine the patient’s eligibility based on certain criteria such as their primary diagnosis, cognitive function and physical symptoms.  

A timely hospice referral can benefit both patients and loved ones by providing a higher quality of life for the patient and additional support for loved ones. 

When is Hospice Recommended?

Hospice is often recommended when a patient is showing signs of significant decline, such as: 

• Increased hospitalizations or ER visits 
• Progressive weight loss 
• Change in comprehension (confusion, disorientation) 
• More needed assistance with activities of daily living, e.g. personal care 
• Increased incontinence, edema (swelling), weakness and/or shortness of breath 
• Falls causing injury 
• Withdrawal from family and friends 
• Decrease in appetite 
• Taking nine or more daily medications 
• Increased number of infections or wounds 

If you have noticed one or more of the above signs within the past year, it might be time for hospice. 

Barriers to Hospice Care and Timely Referrals

A patient or loved ones may experience barriers to hospice care that may impact timely referrals can be:

• The perception that hospice is giving up, however, when you choose hospice, you are choosing to focus on quality of life and comfort instead of a cure. 
• Loved ones may not realize what services hospice offers for a patient and family.  
• A patient or loved one may be unaware that hospice may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurances. 

Benefits of Early Hospice Referrals

Increased Satisfaction When Hospice Patients are Referred Sooner

Referring patients to hospice care can lead to increased satisfaction with medical care due to improved quality of care, personalized care plans, additional clinical care and emotional support for both the patient and their loved ones.

Reduced Cost of Care

Additional benefits of early referrals can be reduced cost of care due to fewer hospitalizations, preventing unnecessary treatments, and coverage for hospice-related medications and supplies.

Proactive and Preventative Care

Hospice care takes a proactive approach to patient care through early symptom management, personalized care plans, education and coordination of care among all care providers.

Conclusion

Making a hospice referral earlier can benefit both patients and families in many ways. You can learn to recognize the signs of when it is time for hospice and take the steps to make a referral. An early referral ensures that a patient will receive the full benefits of hospice care such as improved quality of life, reduction in hospital visits, personalized care plans, a highly trained hospice care team, and emotional support for both the patient and their loved ones.