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!

We wish we had called hospice sooner. Once families experience hospice care, they get it. It’s not what they thought, it’s more support, more help, and more peace than they expected. A lot of people just don’t know that, so they wait.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Ann Lovely RN, BSN, CHPN, Coastal Hospice President & CEO, to discuss “We Wish We Called Hospice Sooner” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• Many families say they didn’t realize how much support hospice truly provides until they experienced it.
• Earlier involvement means better symptom management and improved quality of life.
• Hospice supports the entire family, not just the patient.
• Waiting too long can mean missing opportunities for comfort, meaningful conversations, and planning.
• Hospice is about adding care, not taking anything away.

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!

When is the right time to refer to hospice? It’s not usually as clear-cut as people think. A lot of families wait, just because they are not sure. Let’s talk about what to look for and how to think about timing a little differently.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Jen Dixon, RN, Coastal Hospice Team Leader, to discuss “When is the Right Time to Refer?” and the importance of starting the conversation early.

Some key points discussed include:

• When curative treatment is no longer effective or aligned with patient goals.
• Increased hospitalizations, ER visits, or noticeable decline are key indicators.
• When symptom management becomes more complex or burdensome.
• When patients or families begin prioritizing comfort over aggressive treatment.
• Earlier referrals lead to better outcomes. There’s no downside to starting the conversation.

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!

Choosing hospice means giving up. Honestly, that’s just not what it is. For many families, hospice is where they find more support, more comfort, and more meaningful time together. Let’s talk about what hospice really means and maybe reframe it a little bit.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Rev Joel Beiler MDiv, CPE Supportive Services Team Leader, to discuss “Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• Hospice shifts the focus from curing to caring.
• Patients often experience improved quality of life and even stabilization.
• It empowers patients to define what matters most in their time.
• Choosing hospice is an active, thoughtful decision, not a passive one.
• It allows families to focus on connection, not crisis.

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!