When Should a Patient Be Referred to Hospice Care? A Guide for Discharge Planners and Case Managers
For hospital discharge planners, case managers, and social workers, identifying when a patient may benefit from hospice care can be challenging. Yet early hospice referrals can greatly improve patient comfort, symptom management, and family support.
At Regal Hospice & Palliative Care, we partner with hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and healthcare providers across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and nearby areas to ensure timely, compassionate hospice transitions. Here’s a clear guide to help you know when it’s appropriate to refer.
Why Early Hospice Referrals Matter
✅ Improves symptom and pain management
✅ Reduces unnecessary hospital readmissions
✅ Provides families with emotional and spiritual support
✅ Supports smoother transitions of care
✅ Enhances patient dignity and quality of life
Hospice is not “giving up” but rather choosing comfort and quality for patients in the last stages of life.
Key Indicators for Hospice Eligibility
Patients with a prognosis of six months or less (as certified by a physician) may be eligible for hospice, especially if they exhibit:
✅ Frequent hospitalizations or ER visits within the past six months
✅ Progressive weight loss, weakness, or declining functional status (ADLs)
✅ Increased symptom burden (pain, dyspnea, infections) despite aggressive treatment
✅ Advanced stages of illnesses such as:
Cancer
Heart disease (CHF)
Lung disease (COPD)
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, ALS)
Advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s
✅ Family or patient preference for comfort-focused care over curative treatment
Common Scenarios for Referral
📌 A patient with advanced COPD requiring frequent hospital admissions for exacerbations.
📌 A cancer patient with disease progression despite treatment and significant pain or fatigue.
📌 A dementia patient who is bedbound, has lost the ability to communicate, or has recurring infections.
Addressing Family Concerns
Families often fear that hospice means giving up hope. Helping them understand that hospice is about comfort, dignity, and quality of life can make this transition easier.
Regal Hospice offers family meetings and informational visits to explain the benefits of hospice to families while supporting their decision-making process.
How to Refer a Patient to Regal Hospice & Palliative Care
Referring a patient is easy:
📞 Call (818) 330-9697 to speak directly with our admissions team.
📧 Email info@regalhospice.com with patient details.
Our team will:
✅ Verify eligibility and insurance
✅ Coordinate with your discharge team for a seamless transition
✅ Schedule a hospice evaluation and start care promptly
Why Choose Regal Hospice
✅ Fast admissions within 24-48 hours
✅ Compassionate, experienced interdisciplinary team
✅ In-home hospice care across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino
✅ Clear communication with referring providers and facilities