When Is the Right Time to Consider Hospice Care?

By Maranatha | Dr. Lisa Barrett

Deciding when to transition a loved one into hospice care is one of the most difficult choices a family can face. For many, the decision comes with uncertainty, fear, and a deep sense of emotional weight. However, hospice care is not about giving up—it’s about prioritizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life in a patient’s final months.

At Maranatha, under the expert guidance of Dr. Lisa Barrett, we help families navigate this transition with compassionate, patient-centered support. In this guide, we’ll discuss the right time to consider hospice care, signs that it may be needed, and how Maranatha can support patients and families during this journey.

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care designed for individuals who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. The primary focus shifts from curative treatments to enhancing quality of life by managing pain and symptoms, offering emotional support, and ensuring patients spend their remaining time in peace and comfort.

Unlike hospital-based treatments, which often involve aggressive interventions, hospice care prioritizes comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. It can be provided at home, in hospice facilities, or in long-term care settings, allowing patients to remain in a familiar and supportive environment.

The Key Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care

Many families struggle with the difference between palliative care and hospice care. While both focus on comfort, hospice care is specifically for individuals who have a life expectancy of six months or less and are no longer pursuing curative treatments.

Signs That It May Be Time for Hospice Care

One of the most challenging aspects of hospice care is knowing when it’s time to transition. Many families wait too long, missing out on valuable time for their loved one to receive specialized comfort care.

Here are some key indicators that hospice care may be the right choice:

1. A Life Expectancy of Six Months or Less

Hospice care is generally recommended for patients whose doctor has determined they have six months or less to live if their illness follows its expected course. This prognosis is often based on factors such as disease progression, organ failure, and functional decline.

Dr. Lisa Barrett and the team at Maranatha can help assess whether a patient meets the criteria for hospice and provide guidance on the next steps.

2. Frequent Hospitalizations or ER Visits

If a patient has been hospitalized multiple times in the past few months due to complications or disease progression, it may be a sign that their illness is advancing beyond medical intervention.

Hospice care reduces the need for hospitalizations by managing symptoms at home or in a hospice facility, allowing patients to remain in a comfortable, familiar setting.

3. Increased Pain and Symptom Burden

When an illness reaches an advanced stage, symptoms often become more severe and difficult to manage, including:

• Uncontrolled pain

• Severe shortness of breath

• Fatigue and weakness

• Frequent infections

• Difficulty eating or swallowing

Hospice care focuses on relieving these symptoms so that patients can experience greater comfort and dignity in their final months.

4. Decline in Daily Functioning

If a patient is experiencing significant loss of mobility, weight loss, or inability to perform daily activities (such as bathing, dressing, or eating), it may be time to consider hospice care.

A general guideline is the FAST scale for Alzheimer’s or the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) for other illnesses, which measure functional decline. Patients scoring below 50% on KPS often qualify for hospice.

5. Choosing Comfort Over Curative Treatment

Some patients reach a point where they no longer want aggressive medical treatments that cause more suffering than relief. This may include stopping chemotherapy, dialysis, or other life-extending measures that come with significant side effects.

Hospice care respects a patient’s right to make this decision, ensuring they receive support focused on comfort rather than extending life at all costs.

How Maranatha Supports Families During the Hospice Transition

The decision to enter hospice care is not just about the patient—it also affects families and caregivers. At Maranatha, we are committed to supporting both patients and their loved ones during this transition.

1. Personalized Care Plans

Every patient’s journey is unique. Dr. Lisa Barrett and the Maranatha team create a customized hospice care plan that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

2. Pain and Symptom Management

Our hospice team provides 24/7 pain relief and symptom management to ensure patients remain comfortable. This may include:

• Medications for pain and nausea

• Breathing support for respiratory issues

• Nutritional guidance for appetite changes

3. Emotional and Spiritual Support

Hospice care is not just about medical treatment—it’s also about emotional healing and spiritual peace. Maranatha offers:

• Counseling and grief support for patients and families

• Spiritual guidance and chaplain services for those who seek it

• Legacy-building activities to help patients share their stories and wisdom

4. Family and Caregiver Education

Caring for a loved one at the end of life can be overwhelming. Maranatha provides caregivers with the training and resources they need to confidently care for their loved ones at home.

5. Bereavement Support

The journey does not end when a loved one passes. Maranatha offers grief counseling and bereavement services to help families process their loss and find healing.

Addressing Common Myths About Hospice Care

There are many misconceptions about hospice care that prevent families from seeking it sooner. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:

🚫 Myth: Hospice means giving up hope.
✅ Truth: Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life, not giving up. Patients can live comfortably and meaningfully for months in hospice care.

🚫 Myth: Hospice care is only for the last days of life.
✅ Truth: Many patients receive hospice care for several months, allowing them time to say goodbye, enjoy family, and find peace.

🚫 Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
✅ Truth: Hospice is available for all terminal illnesses, including heart disease, COPD, dementia, and organ failure.

Making the Decision: When Is the Right Time?

If you are asking "Is it time for hospice?", it may already be time to explore your options. The best approach is to have a conversation early rather than waiting until the last moments.

At Maranatha, we are here to help guide you through this process with compassion and expertise. If you or a loved one may need hospice care, Dr. Lisa Barrett and our team are available to answer your questions and provide support.

📞 Contact Maranatha today to discuss your options and ensure that your loved one receives the care they deserve.