Hospice care is for people who have a terminal illness and a limited life expectancy of six months or less, if the disease runs its normal course. The advanced stages of numerous diseases and illnesses may qualify a patient for hospice care.

Some of these advanced diseases include:

• Senescence or Debility • Alzheimer’s Disease • ALS (Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis) • Cancer • Cardiovascular Disease • Dementia • HIV/AIDS • Liver Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Neuromuscular Disease • Parkinson’s Disease • Pulmonary Disease Renal Disease • Stroke • Coma •

A patient’s attending physician (if available) in conjunction with the hospice physician can make the determination for hospice eligibility.

The following general symptoms may indicate that a patient is appropriate for hospice care:

• Fatigue and Weakness • Decreased appetite • Poor food intake • Difficulty swallowing • Weight loss and malnutrition • Difficulty performing day-to-day activities • Recurring infections • Frequent hospitalizations