02/20/2026
Anyone can make a referral to hospice, but a doctor’s approval is required for an assessment. Once approved, an assessment nurse will visit the patient in person within 24 hours wherever they are — in a private home, nursing home, assisted living center, or dementia care facility — to determine eligibility and next steps.
During the assessment, our hospice team conducts a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
• A review of pertinent medical records, if available;
• A complete physical examination of the patient;
• A comprehensive and holistic needs assessment of both the patient and their caregivers.
The hospice team carefully documents their visit and the eligibility assessment.
If the patient is deemed ineligible for admission, or if the patient/family decides against hospice care, these records provide a baseline to help define future eligibility if the patient’s condition declines or the patient/family decides they do wish to begin hospice care later.
For eligible patients at home, hospice care may start immediately. For hospitalized patients, hospice coverage begins once they are discharged. The hospice team meets with the patient and family to assess what their needs will be once the patient is discharged and ensure that necessary supplies and equipment are delivered to the patient’s residence before they leave the hospital.
If you have any questions related to hospice or end-of-life care, please don’t hesitate to call us at 304-768-8523. We are here to help!
