How do you know when it's time for hospice?
When someone you love is facing serious illness, knowing what comes next can feel overwhelming. Learn what changes to watch for, explore a few thoughtful questions, and discover how hospice can support your family.
Hospice is about living with comfort, dignity, and peace.
Hospice care supports people facing a life-limiting illness when the focus of care shifts toward comfort and quality of life rather than treatment intended to cure the illness.
It also supports the people who love them—with nursing care, symptom management, emotional support, spiritual care when desired, and guidance through difficult decisions.
Asking about hospice does not mean giving up. It means learning about the care and support available.
Our faith-based approach honors each person's beliefs, values, and wishes. Spiritual support is always guided by the patient and family.
Common signs it may be time to ask.
One change alone does not determine hospice eligibility. Patterns of decline or increasing care needs can be a reason to talk with a healthcare professional.
More help is needed
Increasing difficulty bathing, dressing, walking, eating, or getting out of bed.
Strength is declining
Noticeable weakness, weight loss, reduced appetite, or spending more time sleeping.
Symptoms are harder to manage
Increasing pain, shortness of breath, infections, or repeated hospital or emergency visits.
Cognitive changes are progressing
With advanced dementia, greater dependence, difficulty communicating, swallowing problems, or recurrent infections may prompt an evaluation.
Bouncing back is harder
Less recovery after an illness, hospitalization, or treatment than there was before.
Comfort matters most
The person and family may want to focus on relief, meaningful time together, and avoiding burdensome treatment.
Let's talk about what you're noticing.
Answer six simple questions about your loved one's recent experience. Your answers stay on this page and are not sent anywhere. This is a conversation guide, not a medical test or hospice eligibility determination.
Understanding hospice, one question at a time.
Does hospice mean my loved one is dying right away?
No. Hospice is generally for people whose clinician believes their life expectancy may be six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. Some people receive hospice care for longer when they continue to qualify. Asking for an evaluation does not mean death is imminent.
Can someone with dementia receive hospice?
Yes. People with advanced dementia may qualify when the illness has progressed significantly and clinical findings support a limited prognosis. An evaluation considers functional dependence, communication, nutrition, complications, and the overall clinical picture—not the diagnosis alone.
Can hospice care happen at home?
Often, yes. Hospice care can be provided where a person lives, including a private home or residential care setting, depending on available services and the person's needs. Family caregivers typically remain involved in daily care, supported by the hospice team.
Does hospice mean stopping all medications and treatments?
No. Treatments and medications that help comfort or manage symptoms may continue. The care team reviews what supports the person's goals and explains which services are covered under the hospice plan of care.
Can someone change their mind about hospice?
Yes. A person may revoke hospice care and return to other Medicare-covered treatment, and may choose hospice again later if eligible.
Is hospice only for people of a particular faith?
No. West Michigan Hospice's faith-based approach centers compassion and respect. Patients and families of all beliefs and backgrounds deserve care that honors their individual wishes.
Who determines whether someone qualifies?
Hospice eligibility is determined through a clinical evaluation and the required physician certifications, not an online questionnaire. A hospice team can help explain the process and whether an evaluation makes sense.
You don't have to make this decision alone.
Whether you are ready to explore hospice or simply have questions, a compassionate conversation can help you understand the next step. There is no obligation to enroll just because you ask.