The timing of hospice care is most important when a disease, such as advanced cancer, gets to an untreatable/uncurable point . On average, hospice care should be implemented when a person is expected to live about 6 months or less if the illness runs its usual course. 

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Many studies show hospice care on average is not started soon enough. Sometimes this delay of care is due to the patient, doctor, or family members resisting as they believe it means they are "giving up" or that hope is lost. Its important to know that at any point in time you can leave hospice care and return to treatment such as active cancer treatment. 

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If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consider Hospice care.

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• Needing increased help with hygiene, personal care, and daily activities such as eating and getting dressed. 

• Increased sleep and confusion

• Decreased appetite

• Increased pain

• Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting

• Frequent infections

• Shortness of breath

• Unintentional weight loss

• Increased emergency room visits

• Increased anxiety and panic

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It's never to early after a terminal illness diagnoses to contact Elite Hospice Care with questions you may have and to evaluate if you or your loved one are ready for hospice care.