Deciding when to call hospice can be a difficult and emotional decision for both patients and their families. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort, dignity, and support to people who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. Here are some general guidelines that can help you determine when it might be appropriate to call hospice:

1. The patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has a life expectancy of six months or less.

2. The patient's condition is worsening, and medical treatments are no longer effective or have been stopped.

3. The patient is experiencing significant pain, discomfort, or other symptoms that are affecting their quality of life.

4. The patient and their family are ready to focus on comfort care and support rather than curative treatments.

If you are unsure about whether hospice care is appropriate for your situation, you can talk to your doctor or a hospice provider to learn more about the benefits and options available to you. It's important to remember that hospice care is not giving up, but rather an opportunity to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during a difficult time.