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Why it is important to consider hospice care
When the disease enters its final phase, the question changes: we no longer ask, “How can we cure it?” but rather, “How can we ensure dignity, comfort, and support at this time?” It is at this crossroads that hospice care comes in—not as a defeat, but as a caring choice for yourself or a loved one.
Shifting focus: comfort over treatment
Hospice care is not a refusal, but a conscious transition to care that focuses on pain relief, suffering reduction, and psychological support. It is a decision that allows the patient to remain in a familiar environment, among caring people, in peace and without the rush of hospitals.
Treatment does not stop in hospice; it simply changes direction. Instead of fighting an incurable disease, the focus shifts to fighting for the quality of each day. Symptoms are controlled by a medical team that is available 24/7. The patient no longer undergoes aggressive therapy but receives attention, warmth, and dignity.
Families often admit, “We wish we had taken this step earlier.” The sooner a patient receives hospice care, the more time they have for communication, memories, and completing important matters. And the less time they have for pain and hospitalizations.
Who is suitable for hospice care: criteria from Golden Age
One of the most common questions we receive at Golden Age Hospice Care is, “Is my situation suitable for hospice care?” This is an important and complex question. However, there are clear medical criteria that can help you make this decision with confidence and in a timely manner.
Medical diagnosis and prognosis (up to 6 months)
The main condition for admission to the hospice program is a diagnosis of a terminal illness with a life expectancy of up to 6 months if the disease progresses naturally. This can be confirmed by one or two attending physicians.
Most often, this refers to:
- cancer (especially with metastases)
- severe stages of heart, liver, kidney, or lung failure
- progressive neurological conditions (dementia, ALS, Parkinson’s)
Golden Age adheres to Medicare and Medi-Cal standards, but also takes into account the uniqueness of each case — we conduct an individual assessment before starting the program.
Refusal of treatment, switching to comfort
The second important criterion is the decision of the patient (or family) to focus on symptom relief rather than aggressive treatment. This means that the person chooses quality of life over medical interventions that are more exhausting than helpful.
This decision does not take away hope. On the contrary, it gives back control, allowing the patient to focus on warmth, the presence of loved ones, memories, and important conversations.
Common conditions: cancer, heart-liver-kidney, dementia, neurological
Golden Age accepts patients with a wide range of diagnoses. The most common among them are:
- Oncology — cancer that no longer responds to therapy
- Dementia (late stage) — loss of speech, mobility, severe complications
- Heart failure (NYHA IV) — symptoms at rest, low ejection fraction
- Renal failure — when dialysis is refused
- Liver failure — against a background of cirrhosis, hepatitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — shortness of breath even at rest
- ALS, MS, Parkinson’s — when the ability to move and breathe independently is lost
All of these diagnoses are accompanied by functional decline—meaning that the patient can no longer move, eat, speak, or control their symptoms independently.
Additional factors: frequent hospitalizations, weight loss, mobility
Even if the primary diagnosis does not provide a complete picture, a combination of symptoms may indicate the need for hospice care. We pay attention to:
- 3+ hospitalizations or visits to the emergency room in the last 6 months
- Significant weight loss — more than 10% of body weight
- Severe weakness — the patient spends most of their time in bed
- Loss of appetite, dehydration, sleep disturbances, apathy
These factors indicate a general deterioration, when comfort and peace of mind become more important than intervention. At Golden Age Hospice Care, we offer a free medical assessment to help determine whether the condition meets the criteria for hospice care — and, if necessary, to quickly initiate assistance.
How it works at Golden Age Hospice Care (Los Angeles)
Golden Age Hospice Care is not just a medical service. It is a team of people who understand how difficult it is to take the first step toward hospice care. That is why we have made the process as transparent, humane, and convenient as possible for every family in Los Angeles.
First comparison: consultation, assessment, plan
It all starts with a free initial consultation. The family or patient can contact us by phone or online to get some initial information.
Next comes the clinical assessment. Our medical team visits the patient at home or in the hospital to conduct a full examination and assess whether the patient’s condition meets the criteria for hospice care. We take our time, explaining everything clearly and answering questions.
Once eligibility is confirmed, a personalized care plan is created. It takes into account:
- medical needs
- pain relief and symptom control
- emotional state
- family support
- cultural or linguistic characteristics
Services: 24/7 nursing support, delivery of medicines and medical equipment
Golden Age Hospice Care operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our nurses can visit daily or as needed. In addition:
- We deliver all necessary medications prescribed for pain relief, sleep, appetite, etc.
- We provide medical equipment for the home: beds, oxygen machines, lifts
- A social worker helps with paperwork, insurance, and access to additional services
- If necessary, a doctor or specialist will visit the patient at home
All of this is included in the program at no additional cost if the patient has the appropriate coverage.
Home treatment + psychological/spiritual support
Most of our patients are at home. And we believe this is the best environment. It is where memories, photographs, the smell of favorite dishes, and the touch of loved ones are.
Golden Age also provides:
- psychological counseling for patients and their families
- spiritual support, if the family so desires (taking into account their faith, traditions, and language)
- volunteers who can read a book, sit nearby, or bring a little joy
This helps not only the patient, but also those around them.
Insurance: Medicare, Medi-Cal, private plans
Golden Age accepts most major forms of payment:
- Medicare (Part A) — fully covers hospice care if you meet the requirements
- Medi-Cal (California program) — also covers care
- Private insurance — depending on your plan, our team can help with the paperwork
We provide free advice on coverage and help with all the formalities.
Contact and next steps
Once you realize that hospice care may be the right answer, the next question is, “Where do I start?” At Golden Age Hospice Care, we have done everything possible to make this transition simple, understandable, and accessible to every family in Los Angeles.
Free consultation from Golden Age – how to contact us
The first step is to call or request a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to answer any questions you may have, even if you are not yet ready to make a decision. Our team speaks several languages and is ready to provide support regardless of cultural or religious background.
What to prepare/bring to the first meeting
The hospice assessment can take place at home, in the hospital, or online, depending on the circumstances. To speed up the process, we recommend that you have the following with you:
- Contact information for the doctor(s) treating the patient
- Medical records or recent test results (if available)
- Insurance information (Medicare, Medi-Cal, private insurance number)
- Contact information for family/caregivers
- Brief description of recent changes in the patient’s condition
If you don’t have any of these things, don’t worry. We can help you gather everything ourselves. The decision to move to hospice care is one of the most intimate and responsible decisions in life. It is never easy. But understanding when the time has come — and that there are services that can help you walk this path with dignity — brings inner peace.
Golden Age Hospice Care is not just about treatment. It’s about dignity, warmth, and presence. It’s about putting the person at the center of attention. We accompany you from the first call to the last breath — with respect, without fear, with care.
Remember:
- If the diagnosis is incurable and the prognosis is limited, you have the right to comfort.
- If treatment does more harm than good, there is another way.
- If you need support, it is available today.
You are not alone. We are here for you
If you are unsure whether the time has come, just give us a call. We will help you figure it out. No pressure. No obligations. Just humanity. Call today to receive support that will transform your final days into peaceful, dignified, and caring ones.
