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While each hospice case is different, the general guidelines that determine whether a patient may be admitted to hospice care are:

  • A diagnosis of a life-limiting illness
  • A prognosis of six months or less
  • A choice to no longer pursue curative treatment

Common Diagnoses Admitted for Hospice Care

The following diagnoses are commonly admitted for hospice care:

  • Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Neurological disorders
  • Stroke

Referrals and Admissions Process

Referrals can be made by anyone, including a doctor, hospital, clergy, patient, family member or friend.

Services do not have a specified time limit, but rather continue to be provided based on the patient's condition. In other words, as long as the patient continues to be hospice-appropriate, Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union will continue to provide services, regardless of length of life.

The admission process includes not only medical information, but also financial and logistical information as well.

Our admissions staff will help to determine what type of equipment the family may need in the home, such as shower chairs, hospital beds or wheelchairs. The admissions team will coordinate a plan for psychosocial, spiritual and volunteer support.

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