You’ve probably heard that hospice is only for the last six months of life, and that’s where a lot of folks get stuck. Because it’s not really that simple. We’re going to clear up what that means, how eligibility and hospice care really work, and why waiting for a timeline can sometimes cause people to miss out on support they could have had sooner.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Lauren Blair, LMSW, VDTCT, DACE Coach Director of Business Development, to discuss “The 6 Month Myth: Explaining Eligibility & Hospice Care” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• Hospice eligibility is based on a physician’s prognosis of about six months or less.
• Patients can receive hospice care for longer if they continue to meet criteria.
• Some patients improve with hospice support and may even be discharged.
• Waiting for an exact timeline often delays beneficial care.
• Hospice is about need and eligibility, not a countdown.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

You may wonder what happens during that first hospice visit. This is what a lot of people feel unsure about. You’ve made the call, and then it’s like, okay, now what? The good news is, it’s not overwhelming. It’s just a conversation, getting to know you, and figuring out how we can help. We’ll walk through what the first visit looks like and what to expect.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Alison Andrews Patterson, BSN, RN, Coastal Hospice Clinical Documentation Professional/QAPI, to discuss “What Happens on the First Visit” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• A comprehensive assessment of physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.

· Time is spent listening to and understanding the goals of both the patient and their family.

• A personalized care plan is developed collaboratively.
• Medications, equipment, and services are arranged quickly.
• Families leave with clarity, support, and a direct line to help.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

Let’s talk about what happens when you call hospice. For a lot of people, that first call feels like a big step. And honestly, it’s usually a lot simpler and a lot more supportive than people expect. We will walk through it, so you know exactly what the first call looks like and what happens next.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Nancy Stewart, Coastal Hospice Director of Access and Coastal Palliative Care Services, to discuss “What Happens When You Call Hospice” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

· A compassionate team member responds quickly, often the same day.

• An evaluation is scheduled to determine eligibility and needs.
• The team explains services, answers questions, and supports decision-making.
• Care is coordinated seamlessly with the patient’s physician.
• There is no obligation, just information and support.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!