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!