To be admitted to the Hospice program, a patient must meet certain established criteria:
- He/she have a life limiting illness and chooses palliative rather than curative measures.
- Their physician and the hospice physician agree their likely prognosis is 6 months or less.
While most referrals are made by physicians, nurses and social workers, anyone can make that first call to refer a patient to hospice for a family member or loved one. Call us to refer a patient, or to just inquire about hospice care. Hospice of New York will do the rest.
HONY usually admits patients within 24 hours after receiving the initial referral and physician approval. Most often, admissions occur on the same day a referral is made. Your hospice nurse will arrange an in-home visit to discuss the patient’s individual needs and identify ways hospice services can be of help.
The Hospice Admission Staff and other members of the Hospice Team are always available to offer assistance and answer any questions you may have.