Part of the series: Understanding Hospice Care: A Guide for Patients and Families
Riverside’s Hospice Education Series on comfort, quality of life and compassionate care.
After learning what hospice is and when to consider it, the next question is often:
One of the most common—and most meaningful—questions families ask is:
How do we know when it’s time for hospice care?
The answer is not always tied to a single moment. More often, it reflects a gradual shift in priorities toward comfort, clarity and quality of life.
A Change in Focus
Hospice is often misunderstood as simply “end-of-life care.” But in reality, it represents something more meaningful:
Hospice isn’t about end of life—it’s about easing suffering and improving quality of life.
It reflects an important shift:
- From curative treatment → comfort-focused care
- From complex care plans → clarity and coordination
- From managing illness → supporting the whole person
As Beth Widmaier, Director of Palliative Care Services at Riverside Health System, explains:
“Hospice care is for patients who are no longer seeking curative care and want to focus on comfort and quality of life.”
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Hospice
Every situation is unique, but there are some common indicators that it may be time to explore hospice care:
- Frequent hospitalizations or emergency visits
- Declining strength, mobility or energy
- Increased dependence on others for daily care
- Growing complexity in managing symptoms or medications
Physicians often use a practical guideline:
If it would not be surprising if a patient were to pass within six months, it may be time to have a conversation about hospice.
What Hospice Care Changes
Hospice care helps simplify what can feel overwhelming.
Instead of coordinating multiple providers and services, hospice brings together a dedicated team focused on:
- Comfort and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Guidance for both patients and families
Families also gain something invaluable:
24/7 support, so they are never alone in making decisions or facing challenges
The Value of Starting the Conversation Early
Talking about hospice earlier—before a crisis—can make a meaningful difference.
Planning ahead allows for:
- Greater peace of mind
- More personal choice
- A care plan aligned with what matters most to you and your family
Understanding when to consider hospice is an important step in making thoughtful, informed decisions.
In the next article, we’ll introduce a simple way to understand everything hospice includes—and why it offers more support than many people expect.
Hospice is good medicine
Not because it cures disease—but because it brings together everything needed to support comfort, dignity and quality of life.
To learn more about hospice services and support, learn more about Riverside Hospice Care.
