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When serious illness changes the course of life, one question often weighs heavily on families: who makes the call to begin hospice care? The answer is not as simple as a single person's choice. It is a shared decision, shaped by medical facts, patient wishes, and family support. At Pallatus, we help families navigate this crossroad with clarity, compassion, and the information they need to make the decision with confidence.
Hospice care can only start when a physician certifies that a person's life expectancy is six months or less if the illness follows its normal path. This determination is based on medical history, current symptoms, test results, and how the condition has progressed. The physician's role is not to dictate the choice, but to provide an honest, informed perspective on what lies ahead.
Even with a doctor's recommendation, hospice is never forced; it is a voluntary choice. Many people decide to begin when curative treatments are no longer helping, when comfort becomes the main focus, or when they want consistent support at home or in another familiar setting. Patients also retain the right to leave hospice and return to active treatment if they wish.
There are times when illness prevents someone from speaking for themselves. In those moments, a legally designated decision-maker, often a healthcare proxy or close family member, steps forward. Families become advocates by sharing their loved one's preferences, asking for clear explanations from the care team, and ensuring that the plan of care honors dignity and comfort.
Starting hospice can feel overwhelming without guidance. That's why Pallatus offers informational visits—no pressure, no obligation—to explain services, answer questions, and discuss how care can be tailored to the individual. Our role is to make the decision-making process less intimidating and more empowering.
The decision to begin hospice is rarely made in isolation. It is a conversation that blends medical reality with personal values. When patients, families, and healthcare providers work in harmony, the transition to hospice can feel less like an ending and more like a step toward meaningful, supportive care.
