Signs It’s Time to Consider Palliative or Hospice Care for a Parent

Knowing when to seek additional support for an aging parent can be difficult. Many families wait until a crisis before exploring palliative or hospice care but starting the conversation earlier can make a meaningful difference for both the patient and the family. 

At Hosparus Health and Pallitus Health Partners, we help families recognize when these services may be the right next step and guide them through the process of getting the care they need. 

1. Frequent Hospital or Emergency Room Visits

If your parent has been to the hospital or emergency room several times in recent months, it may be a sign that symptoms are not well managed. Hospice or palliative care can help stabilize health concerns, manage symptoms at home, and reduce the need for urgent medical visits. 

Learn more: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Hospice Benefits 

 

2. Declining Ability to Manage Daily Activities

If your parent is finding it harder to dress, bathe, eat, or move around independently, it may be time to explore care options. These challenges often indicate a need for additional support that can be provided in the home, in a clinic, or through telehealth visits. 

 

3. Multiple or Complex Health Conditions

Serious illnesses such as heart disease, COPD, cancer, kidney disease, or neurological conditions often require coordinated care from multiple providers. Palliative care can help manage these conditions more effectively by focusing on comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life. 

Learn more: National Institute on Aging – Palliative Care: Comfort During Serious Illness 

 

4. Uncontrolled Pain or Distressing Symptoms

Persistent pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or anxiety can significantly affect daily life. Hospice and palliative care teams are skilled at relieving symptoms and supporting both patients and families through these challenges. 

 

5. Weight Loss, Fatigue, or Noticeable Decline

Unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, increased weakness, or withdrawal from favorite activities can indicate that your parent’s health is changing. These signs often mean it is time to explore whether a different level of care would help. 

 

6. A Shift in Goals of Care

If your parent is more focused on comfort and quality of life than pursuing aggressive treatments, hospice or palliative care may be the right choice. These services support patients in aligning care with their values and wishes. 

Learn more: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – Hospice Care Overview 

 

How Hosparus Health and Pallitus Health Partners Can Help 

• Palliative care, provided by Pallitus Health Partners, is available at any stage of a serious illness and can be received while pursuing curative treatments. It focuses on symptom management, emotional support, and coordination of care. Services are available through telehealth, in community-based clinics, and in the home for patients who qualify. 

• Hospice care, provided by Hosparus Health, supports those in the final months of life when the focus shifts from curing illness to ensuring comfort, dignity, and family support. Care is available wherever a patient calls home, including private residences and nursing facilities. 

Research supports these benefits, with a JAMA Internal Medicine study showing hospice enrollment is linked to fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits. 

If you are unsure whether it is time to consider hospice or palliative care for your parent, our teams can help you understand your options. The sooner you start the conversation, the more benefits your loved one and family can experience. Our teams are here to guide you through every step. 

Call Hosparus Health at 800-264-0521
Call Pallitus Health Partners at 502-814-5408
Contact Us Online 

 

Related Reading
Find more information to help you make confident care decisions: 

• Balancing Care for Kids and While Caring for Aging Parents – A guide for caregivers navigating responsibilities at home and with aging parents. 

• Why Nonprofit Hospice Care Matters: What the Research Reveals – Learn how provider type can impact quality of care. 

• Hospice Myths and Facts – Clarifying common misunderstandings about hospice.