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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

When is Hospice appropriate?

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Oxnard, CA

I see people talking about hospice, when it seems unknown how long the loved one with late stage ALZ will last. I don't understand that. Isn't hospice for people who are expected to pass on in the next 6 months?

October 23
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A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member:
1) It’s important to understand the Stages and to determine what stage your loved one is at.
2) A patient generally qualifies for Hospice care at Stage 7c.
3) Memory Care is appropriate at any point prior to Hospice, when a patient can benefit from the activities and stimulation provided, and when a Caregiver is no longer able to (or willing to) care for the patient at home, for whatever reason.

Below is a copy of the FAST Scale. You stage the patient where they primarily are. (At any stage, behaviors from the past stages will still be seen, and you’ll also see occasional “sneak peeks” from the next stage to come.)

October 23
A myALZteam Member

Thanks @A myALZteam Member for your helpful advice.

October 24
A myALZteam Member

When is memory care a better option than hospice?

October 23
myALZteam

That's a really common misconception, and it's completely understandable to feel confused about this. Hospice does require a doctor's referral stating a life expectancy of six months or less — but that "six months" guideline is more of a general rule than a hard deadline.

With Alzheimer's, the disease progresses slowly and Show Full Answer

That's a really common misconception, and it's completely understandable to feel confused about this. Hospice does require a doctor's referral stating a life expectancy of six months or less — but that "six months" guideline is more of a general rule than a hard deadline.

With Alzheimer's, the disease progresses slowly and unpredictably, which makes timing difficult. A person can remain in hospice care beyond six months if their condition continues to meet eligibility criteria. General signs that it may be time to consider hospice include:

- Frequent hospital or doctor visits, especially for infections
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Consistent restlessness or confusion
- Spending most of their time sleeping

Signs that suggest late-stage Alzheimer's specifically include:

- Unable to speak more than a few words
- Cannot do anything independently (feeding, bathing, dressing)
- Unable to walk and must stay in bed
- Severe anxiety A myALZteam member shared something really important: "I thought hospice was for end of life, and I wasn't ready to go there yet." Many caregivers feel this way, but hospice is really about comfort and quality of life — not just the final days.

In fact, another myALZteam member said they wish they had reached out to hospice sooner, describing it as "a new lease on the life you and your loved one have left." It's worth having a conversation with the doctor sooner rather than later.

October 23

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