Many people wonder when it is the right time to call Hospice. This is a question best answered by the physician. A discussion with the physician regarding what effect the disease is most likely going to have on the patient is a good place to start. Some questions to ask yourself are:

• If my disease is not going to be cured, what type of treatment do I want? Treatment for comfort and pain control or aggressive curative treatment?
• How many times has the patient been in the hospital in the past 6 months?
• Are you tired of going into the hospital for treatments of the many physical conditions which may result from the disease?
• Is assistance with the cost of medications or medical equipment needed?
• If you live in your home, do you have support to provide assistance and care? This could be family or hired caregivers.

If you find you answered "yes" to many of the above questions, then it is time to call a hospice and discuss your options for hospice care.