The decision to choose hospice should be made by the patient and family with the input of a physician. Open and honest discussion about treatment options should be held throughout the course of the illness. If a patient or family feels that a physician is reluctant to discuss hospice care, it is always appropriate for the family to approach the subject.

A referral begins with a phone call. A caring staff member will ask important questions about the illness, previous treatment, the attending physician's endorsement of hospice care, as well as questions about the home and family situation that would affect caregiving. A referral can come from the family, a friend, clergy, healthcare provider or even from the patient.

Common diagnoses that qualify for hospice care:

• All forms of cancer or leukemia
• End stage congestive heart failure
• End stage cardiovascular disease
• End stage Alzheimer's Disease/dementia
• End stage neurological disease
• Cerebrovascular Disease/Stroke
• Lou Gehrig's Disease
• Parkinson's Disease
• End stage renal disease
• End stage liver disease
• End stage HIV infection/AIDS
• Chronic debilitating infections
• Multisystem failure/inanition/malnutrition/failure to thrive

For more information about referrals, contact Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd at 706.509.3200.