For those who care for an aging loved one with a life-limiting illness, it is important to know the signs of decline that might suggest they are ready for hospice care. Hospice is a specialized field that focuses on the physical comfort and emotional and spiritual support of patients nearing the end of life. 
Common illnesses that make elderly eligible for hospice care include dementia, cancer, heart and lung disease and many other medical conditions. When the patient’s physician determines that the natural course of the illness means a life expectancy of about six months or less, it can be the right time to discuss hospice care.
In-home care providers can initially assess their loved one’s readiness by asking the question: would I be surprised if my loved one wasn’t here in a year? The answer to that question can be obvious if you know the common signs that a loved one might be ready for hospice care:
• Multiple falls or admissions to the hospital in a short period of time
• Loss of appetite that causes weight loss resulting in loose-fitting clothing
• Lethargy that results in spending most of the day in a chair or bed
•Trouble breathing or catching breath, even when sitting
• Complaints about illness-related pain which was previously manageable
If you observe one or several of these symptoms in your loved one, consult with a physician about making plans to transition to hospice care for end of life.
Common illnesses that make elderly eligible for hospice care include dementia, cancer, heart and lung disease and many other medical conditions. When the patient’s physician determines that the natural course of the illness means a life expectancy of about six months or less, it can be the right time to discuss hospice care.
In-home care providers can initially assess their loved one’s readiness by asking the question: would I be surprised if my loved one wasn’t here in a year? The answer to that question can be obvious if you know the common signs that a loved one might be ready for hospice care:
• Multiple falls or admissions to the hospital in a short period of time
• Loss of appetite that causes weight loss resulting in loose-fitting clothing
• Lethargy that results in spending most of the day in a chair or bed
•Trouble breathing or catching breath, even when sitting
• Complaints about illness-related pain which was previously manageable
If you observe one or several of these symptoms in your loved one, consult with a physician about making plans to transition to hospice care for end of life.