Is a Loved One on Hospice?

Is a Loved One in Hospice Care?

By David Tillman – August 2022

This week I heard something about hospice that I would like to share. I am a retired hospice and hospital chaplain. My mother was in hospice care for two months before she died, and my father-in-law has been in hospice care for the last fourteen months. I highly recommend hospice care for your loved ones when their health needs require additional care.

I heard that if your loved one’s health condition is changing monthly (noticeable changes) then your loved one will probably live for months. If their health condition is changing weekly, then your loved one will probably live for weeks. If their health condition is changing daily, then your loved one will probably live for only days.

The hospice care team’s skills and focus are to care for your loved one as death draws near. If your loved one qualifies for hospice there is very little, if any, cost. The hospice care team coordinates closely with you and other care providers involved in the care of your loved one, whether they are living in a home/apartment/senior housing, care facility, or hospital/specialized hospice care facility.