Many people know that hospice offers a much-needed level of expert and compassionate care for patients who are nearing the end of their lives. But often patients and families–and even medical professionals and staff–get confused as they try to determine when the right time for hospice care may be.

The short answer to this question is that patients who are eligible for hospice care are (1) believed by their physicians at the time of admission to have six months or less to live, and (2) are no longer seeking curative treatment for their terminal condition. This video from Jeannie Crowe, our director at Suburban Hospice, offers several clear ideas about the best time for hospice care, ensuring that patients and their families get the full benefit of the support we can provide.