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Hospice Eligibility Criteria for Cancer

People living with advanced cancer may be eligible for palliative care from the time of diagnosis to relieve their pain and anxiety, and control other symptoms. Palliative care is available at the same time patients are receiving curative treatments.  
 
As the disease progresses, understanding cancer hospice criteria can also help patients and families recognize when hospice care may become appropriate. Samaritan works with patients’ family physicians or specialists to “connect the dots” for their best quality of life. 

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Cancer hospice eligibility

Patients become eligible for hospice care if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

 

  • You have notable weight loss that is not intentional. 
  • Your cancer has spread beyond the first site (Metastatic disease). 
  • Your cancer enters a more advanced stage despite therapy to cure or slow it. 
  • You wish to stop curative treatment Note: Palliative radiation (radiation given to ease discomfort rather than cure) may be continued when necessary. 
  • You wish to remain out of the hospital if the disease gets worse. 
  • You have more than one serious medical condition that may shorten survival (e.g. lung cancer with COPD). Your doctor may call this a comorbid condition. 
  • You need more help with basic tasks of daily living. 

Speak with a Samaritan hospice care expert for free, 24/7. Fill out the form to get started now.

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When to call hospice for cancer?

It may be time to discuss hospice when the focus of care begins to shift from controlling the cancer to providing greater comfort and support. Families may notice that recovery after setbacks is taking longer, day-to-day care is becoming more difficult, or the patient prefers to spend less time pursuing intensive treatment and more time at home. 
 
A hospice evaluation can help clarify whether the patient meets cancer hospice criteria and explain what services may be available to support both the patient and family. 

Contact Samaritan for a cancer hospice evaluation

Samaritan can help patients and families understand whether hospice care is appropriate and what support is available. The hospice team provides symptom management, nursing care, emotional and spiritual support, caregiver guidance, and other services focused on comfort and quality of life. 

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Request a hospice evaluation and learn more about your care options. 

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 (856) 596-1600 

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