As people are diagnosed with a terminal illness, many resort to the best hospice care in Michigan to improve the quality of life in their last days. Hospices focus on the individual rather than the sickness, making them feel comfortable. They can also help you address the spiritual and emotional issues you might be facing.

Hospice services can be given to you where you want; whether in your own home, a hospital, or an assisted living facility. However, you must meet certain requirements to become eligible for hospice care.

Below, we have discussed a few aspects that will help determine if you or your loved one may qualify for hospice services in Michigan.

How does one qualify for hospice care?

You should know the two main qualifications for hospice care:

  • At least two physicians must certify that you have a terminal illness and cannot survive for more than six months if the disease takes its normal course. Some illnesses that fall under this category include dementia, stroke, liver disease, cancer, AIDS, heart failure, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
  • The patient or their family must be aware of the situation and transition to the best hospice in Michigan instead of focusing on active curative treatment.

Eligibility requirements

Medicare has similar requirements as stated above. You will need official medical documentation that the patient will live for up to six months and they must deliberately choose comfort care over curative treatment to avail Medicare Part A coverage. Your Medicare plan may also cover a pre-election evaluation and counseling service for you.

You can also cover the hospice expenses through your private health insurance plan. However, the requirements may vary, with the minimum being a life expectancy of less than six months and a terminal illness diagnosis. You may also have to discontinue any curative measures.

Here are some other eligibility criteria that may apply:

  • Frequent hospital visits in the last six months: If there has been a spike in hospitalizations in the last six months, it may be time to consider hospice. It may signify that the disease is getting serious, and you need additional help.
  • Consistent weight loss: You may also need Cardinal hospice care if you or your loved one has consistently lost weight, as it can be associated with a decline in your condition. Please note that a decline in anthropomorphic measurements may also indicate the increasing severity of the disease. 
  • Debilitating weakness: If you have been increasingly feeling fatigued, you may qualify for Cardinal hospice care. Not responding to the treatment and the symptoms intensifying may also make you eligible for hospice care.

About Cardinal Hospice

If you or your loved one qualify for hospice care, it is time to look for a hospice facility that offers great care to increase the quality of life for your remaining time. At Cardinal Hospice, we provide the best possible care to patients and their families experiencing life-limiting conditions. We believe the end of life deserves as much recognition as the beginning. Our clients choose us for our highest quality end-of-life care to patients experiencing a life-limiting condition. For more information, call on (989)401-8033 or (248)572-6690, write to [email protected], or fill out the patient referral form.