Hospice Eligibility

The first step in evaluating whether a patient with a life-limiting illness is appropriate for hospice care is determining that the patient prefers comfort care over curative treatment. The patient’s personal healthcare provider and hospice provider must attest that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Hospice care can be extended beyond six months as long as the patient continues to meet eligibility criteria.

The Seasons Hospice clinical team works closely with the patient’s healthcare provider to coordinate care and ensure the patient’s goals are met.

Patient Indicators for Hospice Care

A patient will likely have one or more of the following indicators present:

• Loss of function/physical decline

• Increase in hospitalizations

• Dependence in most activities of daily living

• Multiple co-morbidities

• Increase in ER visits

• Unexplained weight loss

Refer a Patient

You may refer a patient for home hospice or hospice care at the Seasons Hospice House by calling 507-285-1930 and asking to speak to an admissions team member.

Next Steps

After a patient has been referred, our admissions staff will contact the patient and/or their family to obtain the information necessary to schedule an evaluation appointment. We will work to schedule a time that is convenient to include loved ones and those that will have a role in caring for the person requesting service. If the patient resides in a long-term care facility, we are happy to coordinate the appointment so facility staff can be present.