Signs and Symptoms
When you or a loved one experiences any of the following signs or symptoms, hospice might be an appropriate choice. If you have questions about whether or not you or a loved one might be right for Hospice of the Comforter’s services, please contact us by calling 407-682-9090 or using our online form.
- Uncontrolled or Increased Pain
- Frequent Infections
- Frequent Hospitalizations
- Difficulty breathing (Increased dyspnea)
- Uncontrolled Nausea/Vomiting
- Oxygen Dependence
- Progressive Weight Loss
- Profound Weakness and Fatigue
- Progressive Decline
- Progressive Renal Insufficiency
- Bloating or accumulated fluids (Progressive edema)
Clinical Guidelines for Referral:
An advanced illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less and/or the family has elected palliative (comfort) care.
and/or
A declining functional status, as determined by either:
- Karnofsky Performance Status of 50% or less
- Dependence in 3 of 6 activities of daily living (ADL's)
and/or
An unintentional weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over the last four to six months.
and/or
An observable and documented deterioration in overall clinical condition in the past four to six months, as manifested by at least one of the following:
- More than 3 hospitalizations or ER visits
- Decreased tolerance to physical activity
- Decreased cognitive ability
- Other comorbid conditions