Families often wonder when hospice becomes an option and what the medical requirements are. To qualify for hospice under Medicare guidelines, two conditions must be met.
1. A Terminal Diagnosis With a Life Expectancy of Six Months or Less
A physician must certify that the patient has a life-limiting illness and would likely have six months or less to live if the disease follows its natural course. This includes advanced cancer, heart or lung disease, dementia, kidney failure, neurological conditions, and other serious illnesses. As long as the patient’s condition continues to meet hospice criteria, services can be renewed beyond six months.
2. A Decision to Focus on Comfort-Centered Care
The patient (and family, when appropriate) chooses hospice with the goal of improving comfort, managing symptoms, and supporting emotional and spiritual needs—rather than pursuing aggressive curative treatment. Hospice is not giving up; it’s choosing quality of life, honoring goals, and receiving expert support at home or in a care facility.
Why These Criteria Matter
Hospice ensures patients and families receive the right care at the right time, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits and focusing on dignity, relief, and peace.
At Salus Hospice, serving Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, our team helps families understand eligibility, coordinate with physicians, and build individualized care plans.
If you’re unsure whether hospice is appropriate, our team is here to guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Call 888-881-4822 to speak with the Salus Hospice team and learn more.
