Terminally ill individuals and their families, regardless of age, gender, nationality, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis, availability of a primary caregiver or ability to pay may be eligible for hospice. “Terminally ill” is defined by a doctor’s prognosis of six months or less to live. In order for a patient to be eligible for hospice, he or she must have chosen to forego aggressive, curative treatment. All patients must understand and accept the hospice philosophy of care.

Sometimes, a patient’s attending physician will discuss the option of hospice with patients and families. Other times, the patient makes the decision or asks his/her doctor about it. The patient may wish to discuss it with other health care professionals, clergy or family and friends. When the patient decides that hospice is the right choice for him or her, the patient’s physician will write an order for admission to hospice.

Because hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care, patients can receive services almost anywhere. The hospice team primarily provides services in a person’s private residence. However, many patients are served who reside in rest homes, assisted living homes, and skilled nursing homes. 3HC is also proud to offer services in our in-patient facility, the Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Back to Clinical Resources