At Colorado Palliative & Hospice Care, our foremost goal is to ensure the comfort and well-being of our patients and their families. We understand when considering hospice care, many individuals may worry about what happens if they surpass the initial six-month prognosis.
We’d like to shed some light on this question and provide reassurance to those who find themselves living longer than expected on hospice.
Understanding the Six-Month Prognosis
Hospice care is designed to support individuals with a life-limiting illness, focusing on enhancing their quality of life and providing comfort. The six-month prognosis is a guideline used to initiate hospice care, but it is not a definitive timeline.
- Hospice care is initiated based on a prognosis of six months or less to live.
- This estimate is not a definite timeline but rather a guideline for eligibility.
- Each individual’s response to their illness is unique, and various factors can influence the length of time one may remain on hospice care.
Continuing Care Beyond 6 Months
It is essential to note that every individual responds to their illness differently, and many factors can influence the length of time one remains on hospice. While some individuals experience a gradual decline in health over time, others may experience stability or even improvement in their condition while receiving hospice care.
- If you live longer than 6 months, you can still receive hospice care, as long as the hospice medical director or hospice doctor recertifies you are still terminally ill.
- As a compassionate and dedicated hospice team, we are committed to providing ongoing care for as long as our patients need it, regardless of their prognosis extending beyond six months.
- Our goal is to support individuals in enhancing their quality of life, ensuring their comfort, and providing emotional and spiritual support.
- Research has indicated that while some individuals experience a gradual decline in health over time, others may experience stability or even improvement in their condition while receiving hospice care.
Adapting the Care Plan
Hospice care focuses on supporting individuals at every stage of the progression of their illness, adapting to their evolving needs and ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Our team is here to provide unwavering support and ensure that every day is filled with compassion, understanding, and comfort.
- Living longer than six months on hospice allows for an opportunity to adapt the care plan to meet the evolving needs of the individual.
- Our team closely monitors the patient’s condition, reassessing symptoms, pain management, and overall well-being as necessary.
- Working closely with the patient and their loved ones ensures that goals, preferences, and wishes are consistently honored throughout the extended journey.
The Gift of Time
Living longer than six months on hospice can testify to the exceptional care received and the individual’s resilience. It allows for more opportunities to create meaningful connections, experience joy, and make lasting memories with loved ones. By embracing the gift of time, you can focus on what truly matters to you, surrounded by the warmth and support of our compassionate team.
- Living longer than expected on hospice should testify to the exceptional care received and the individual’s resilience.
- This extra time allows for more opportunities to create meaningful connections, experience joy, and make lasting memories with loved ones.
- Research has shown that individuals who receive hospice care for an extended period often report a higher quality of life, reduced hospitalizations, and better symptom management.
Our Commitment
If you exceed the initial six-month prognosis, we want to assure you that you are not alone. Our care team will closely monitor your condition, adjusting the care plan as needed to meet your evolving needs. We will work closely with you and your loved ones to ensure your goals, preferences, and wishes are honored throughout your journey.
- If you exceed the initial six-month prognosis, please know you are not alone.
- We will continue to provide compassionate and comprehensive care, focusing on your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- Our dedicated team will tirelessly ensure your comfort and dignity are preserved throughout your journey.
We hope this information brings you comfort, reassurance, and a sense of peace during what may be a challenging time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Need help? Contact us at Denver (303) 727-5709, Front Range (720) 545-0800, or Colorado Springs (719) 419-5595.