Qualifying Diagnoses/Conditions

When can hospice help? Hospice is not only for people with incurable cancer. Hospice can help people with a variety of life-limiting conditions when their symptoms no longer respond to treatment. This list may serve as a guide. Ask your doctor or contact Hospice de la Luz to learn more about your options.

Congestive Heart Disease

• Shortness of breath when resting
• Edema (swelling) in feet, legs, hands or abdomen
• Severe fatigue
• Frequent ER visits or hospitalizations

End-Stage Kidney Disease

• Fluid build-up in abdomen and extremities
• Requiring frequent hospitalizations
• Refusing transplant or dialysis

Lung Disease

• Symptoms poorly controlled
• Extreme shortness of breath
• Oxygen dependent
• Frequent hospital and ER visits
• Recurrent infections

Multi-System Breakdown

• Multiple organ failure; such as having heart disease and lung disease
• Overall decline in health
• Weight loss

Stroke

• Coma or irreversible damage
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Needs assistance or dependent care needs

AIDS

• Disease is worsening; medications are no longer effective
• Increased infections
• Increased difficulties with self-care
• Increased weakness and weight loss

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Increased difficulties with self-care
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle wasting or rigidity

Dementia or Alzheimer’s

• Difficulty swallowing
• Bowel and bladder control problems
• Unable to bathe, dress or feed themselves
• Unable to speak or limited ability to communicate
• Steady weight loss

Cancer

• Has spread to other organs
• Symptoms are worsening
• Steady weight loss