• Any patient with a serious progressive illness whose prognosis may be six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Illnesses may include cancer, heart disease, dementia, pulmonary disease, renal failure, AIDS, ALS, and many others.
  • The patient and his or her physician desire to pursue a palliative approach to care.
  • The patient has a physician who consents to provide hospice care.
  • The patient desires hospice care and elects to receive that service through Rice Hospice.

  • The focus of care is comfort and palliation of symptoms.
  • The patient has a progressive illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course.
  • History of numerous repeat hospitalizations.
  • The patient requires close monitoring of interventions used to manage pain and other symptoms.
  • The patient and family recognize the need for help with care and ongoing emotional support.

  • Anyone can initially refer a patient to hospice -- physician, nurse, social worker, clergy, family, friends, or the patient himself.
  • Rice Hospice can be contacted at 1.800.336.7423. We will connect you to the appropriate staff for your location.
  • Information regarding the patient's diagnosis and prognosis will be requested of the physician.
  • Rice Hospice will arrange to meet with patient and family to discuss services. There is no charge for consultation visits and the patient is not obligated to accept services.
  • Early referrals are encouraged; with hospice involved, patients are able to maintain greater consistence in symptom management and live each day to the fullest.

  • Medical treatment for the hospice patient continues. The focus of care is comfort rather than cure. Rice Hospice is committed to reducing barriers to hospice care. Patients receiving the following treatments are eligible to receive hospice services:
    • Radiation therapy
    • Transfusions
    • Chemotherapy
    • Antibiotic therapy
    • Diagnostic tests
    • Surgery
    • Physical therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Respiratory therapy
    • Dialysis
    • Artificial nutrition
    • CPR/ventilation
  • Discussing patient/family goals related to treatment is helpful not only to determine whether treatment modalities are appropriate but for how long.
  • The goal of Hospice is the enhance quality of life through physical, emotional, and spiritual support. futile and burdensome therapies are discouraged if the perceived goal is merely postponing death.