Checklist for Choosing Care

When someone you love is facing a serious illness, knowing when to seek extra support can be overwhelming. At Hosparus Health, we often hear, “I wish we had called sooner.” That’s why we created this simple checklist—to help you recognize when it might be time to explore hospice or palliative care.

Hospice Care: Comfort and Support at Life’s End

Hospice care is for those with a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from curing to comfort. Our compassionate team—physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers—works together to ease pain, manage symptoms, and support families.

Ask yourself:

• Has a doctor mentioned a limited life expectancy?
• Are hospital visits or ER trips becoming more frequent?
• Is pain or shortness of breath getting harder to manage?
• Has there been noticeable weight loss or weakness?
• Is your loved one spending more time in bed?
• Do they need help with daily activities like bathing or eating?
• Are you, as a caregiver, feeling anxious or unsure what to do next?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it may be time to consider hospice care.

Palliative Care: Relief and Guidance at Any Stage

Palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness—even alongside curative treatments. It’s about improving quality of life by managing symptoms, coordinating care, and offering emotional and spiritual support. Think of us as the care coordination team to help manage your chronic or serious illness (such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, kidney disease, ALS, dementia, and other illnesses).

Consider palliative care if your loved one:

• Has a serious illness but doesn’t yet qualify for hospice
• Struggles with pain, fatigue, or other symptoms
• Has frequent ER visits or hospital stays
• Feels overwhelmed by their diagnosis or treatment options
• Needs help understanding their condition and making care decisions

Palliative care can be a lifeline—offering relief, clarity, and peace of mind.

 

Let’s Talk—We’re Here to Help

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait. The earlier you reach out, the more we can do to help. Call us at 800-264-0521 or explore or website to learn more.