Admission Criteria

• The patient must have a limited life expectancy measured in terms of weeks or months.
• The patient and family must desire hospice care.
• The patient has a primary physician responsible for medical care who is willing to work with the hospice team.
• The patient resides in the Upper Cumberland area

In order for hospice care to be effective, the patient and the family should be open and willing to admit the need for help; cooperate with plans and follow through on them; be flexible on visiting times, and be accountable for prescription renewals and performance of routine care.