Unfortunately, many people are still referred to hospice only in their last few days or few weeks of life, perpetuating the myth that hospice is only for when death is imminent. This is not true. Hospice is intended for all people who are facing life-limiting illness. When a physician determines that someone has a prognosis of 6 months or less, treatment is no longer available or desired, a referral to hospice can be made.
When people are referred to hospice early there is time to attend to the many emotional, spiritual and/or practical issues that are involved as someone prepares to say goodbye. Hospice is holistic in its approach to care: body, mind, and spirit. Everyone deserves all that is available to us and our loved ones at the end of life