When it's time for hospice, we're here to help.
For physicians, discharge planners, social workers and care teams, timely hospice conversations can help patients and families make informed, comfort-focused decisions.
West Michigan Hospice works alongside referring professionals to support continuity of care, thoughtful transitions and the dignity of every person entrusted to us.
Clinical excellence.
Compassionate partnership.
We believe excellent hospice care begins with clear communication, responsive coordination and a shared commitment to each patient's goals, values and comfort.
Patient-Centered Care
Individualized comfort-focused care plans that honor patient wishes, clinical needs and family priorities.
Expert Symptom Management
Interdisciplinary support for pain, symptoms and the challenges that accompany serious illness.
Coordinated Transitions
Collaboration with referring teams to support a smoother transition into hospice services.
Care Across Settings
Support wherever patients call home, including private residences and residential care facilities.
Emotional & Spiritual Support
Faith-inspired compassion and optional spiritual care that respect every patient's beliefs and values.
Family Guidance
Education, social work support and bereavement resources for families and caregivers.
Start with a conversation.
Not sure whether a patient is ready for hospice? Our team can discuss the situation and help clarify next steps without pressure.
Hospice conversations can begin earlier.
A referral discussion does not require families to have all the answers. Common indicators that a hospice evaluation may be appropriate include:
- Progressive functional decline or increasing dependence with daily activities.
- Frequent hospitalizations, emergency visits or recurring complications.
- Worsening symptoms despite ongoing disease-directed treatment.
- Significant changes in appetite, weight, mobility or cognition.
- A patient preference for comfort-focused care rather than burdensome interventions.
Eligibility is determined through an individualized clinical assessment and the required physician certification, not by any single sign on this list.
Referral questions.
Clear answers.
Helpful information for providers considering hospice support for a patient. We welcome a direct conversation about complex cases.
When should we consider referring a patient?
Consider a hospice evaluation when a serious illness is advancing, functional status is declining, symptoms are harder to manage, or a patient is prioritizing comfort. You can contact the team to discuss whether an evaluation makes sense.
What are the general hospice eligibility requirements?
For the Medicare hospice benefit, the patient must generally be certified by the appropriate physicians as having a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Clinical documentation and individual payer rules apply.
Can patients with dementia qualify for hospice?
Yes, some patients with advanced dementia may qualify. Eligibility is based on the full clinical picture, including functional decline and relevant complications, rather than the diagnosis alone.
Where can patients receive hospice care?
Hospice is often provided in private homes, assisted living communities and nursing facilities. The appropriate setting and support depend on the patient's care plan and circumstances.
Does West Michigan Hospice provide spiritual care?
Our approach is faith-guided and includes spiritual support when desired. Every patient and family's beliefs, preferences and decisions are respected.
What information is useful when starting a referral conversation?
Clinical history, diagnoses, recent hospitalizations, functional changes, symptom concerns and patient goals can help the team review the situation. Contact us to coordinate secure information sharing and the referral process.
Let's coordinate the next step.
Connect with West Michigan Hospice to discuss a patient, clarify eligibility questions or plan a compassionate transition of care.