When a loved one is facing a serious illness, it can be a difficult time for everyone involved. It can be overwhelming to navigate the medical system, and finding the right care can be challenging. The inevitable question always arises: “How long does it take to admit a patient to hospice?”. That’s why it’s so important to work with a hospice with same-day admission.

At 3HC, we treat our patients as if they were members of our own family—and a part of that philosophy is getting them the care they need when they need it most. If you or your loved one are eligible for hospice and you are in a hospital or other healthcare facility, you can be admitted to our hospice care the same day you are discharged home.

We’ll take a look at how long it takes to admit a patient to hospice, the advantages of same-day admittance, and why that’s an important point to consider when searching for a hospice care provider. 

How Long Does it Take to Admit a Patient to Hospice? 

Admitting a patient to hospice is a process that can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and circumstances. In general, the admission process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. 

The process typically begins with a referral from a healthcare provider or family member, followed by an evaluation of the patient’s medical condition and needs by the hospice team.

Once the evaluation is complete and the decision is made to admit the patient to hospice, the hospice team will work with the patient and family to develop a care plan that meets their individual needs. This may include arranging for medication and medical equipment, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support.

When the patient is discharged home, hospice care can immediately begin, ensuring there are no gaps or delays in providing services that are needed.

So, how long does it take to admit a patient to hospice? It depends upon a variety of factors. These include:

• Availability of hospice services in the area
• Support from the family
• Support and information from caregivers
• Bed availability for inpatient hospice patients

In some cases, patients may be admitted to hospice very quickly, while in other cases, it may take several days to coordinate care and arrange for necessary services.

At 3HC, we know that waiting is frustrating, particularly at this time in your loved one’s life when every minute, every hour and every day is precious. That’s why we’re dedicated to same-day admission so you’ll never have to wonder “how long does it take to admit a patient to hospice?”

Advantages of 3HC’s Same-Day Admission: Getting Help at the Place You Call Home

One of the advantages of working with a hospice like 3HC that offers same-day admittance is that it can ease some of the stress and uncertainty of the process. We know that it’s a great relief to know you can be discharged home and immediately have access to hospice services.

We’ve outlined a few of the reasons same-day admission is beneficial: 

➡️ It Avoids Delays in Care

One of the biggest advantages is that it can help avoid delays in care. When a patient is admitted to hospice services when they return home, they receive a comprehensive assessment and individualized care plan. This includes medical care, pain management, and emotional support. 

By offering same-day admittance, we can begin providing care immediately, without the delay of waiting for an appointment or bed availability.

At 3HC, we understand that your loved one needs assistance as soon as possible, and you should not have to endure a long wait for bed availability. 

➡️ It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Another benefit of same-day admittance is that it can reduce stress and anxiety for both the patient and their family. When a loved one is facing a serious illness, there can be a lot of uncertainty and fear about what the future holds. This uncertainty can be made worse if the family wonders how they will support their loved one when they return home.

Hospice care can provide a sense of security and comfort, knowing that their loved one is receiving the care they need. By offering same-day admittance, we can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that your family may be feeling.

Qualifications for Hospice Care

We believe it’s always important to review the qualifications for hospice care to see if your loved one qualifies. 

Hospice care is designed for patients with a life-limiting illness or condition. To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must have a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. The patient must only be seeking comfort care and not treatment for the illness itself.

Hospice care is not just for patients with cancer. It’s also available for patients with conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Dementia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney or liver failure
• AIDS
• ALS
• Parkinson’s disease

Hospice care improves the quality of life. This can include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Maintaining dignity
• Assistance with daily activities
• Enabling them to spend time surrounded by their loved ones
• Maintaining as much independence as safely possible
• Support for family members, including bereavement counseling 

Our patients receive the care they need as soon as possible. You’re not left wondering “how long does it take to admit a patient to hospice care?” We’re a hospice with same-day admittance.

We also help families avoid the stress and uncertainty of waiting for an appointment. This can provide a sense of relief for families who may be struggling to manage their loved one’s care.

3HC Is a Hospice With Same-day Admittance That Treats Patients Like Family

Family. 

We use that word a lot because it demonstrates what we do. We truly care for our patients. Through programs such as our Butterfly Wings Program, we strive to help make their last wishes come true. Through our grief care, we help the entire family as they are facing the loss of their loved one. We help patients with symptom management so they can be at home, surrounded by those they love. 

We believe in living life to its fullest for every moment. 

Want to know more about our same-day admittance? Contact our 24-hour referral line at 1-800-692-4442