Choosing to move on to hospice is an emotionally difficult decision. It is a decision when a patient is faced with treatments that will dramatically impact their quality of life. It is a decision that often occurs as a last resort, when curative treatments have failed, treatment options have been close to exhausted, and the person has decided that they are ready to move forward and live their remaining time in a way that is more comfortable and fulfilling for their needs.
Family members of a person in hospice often feel like there may be other options available, or that the person needs to keep “fighting.” While we often hope that there are other treatments out there, no medical professional will recommend hospice unless they know that curative treatment is unlikely to exist, or the patient has expressed that they do not want to engage in a more aggressive approach.
But a question we are often asked is whether or not a patient *can* choose to end hospice and go back into curative care, and the answer is yes.
Hospice Care is a Choice by the Patient/Family
Even though hospice care is often a choice of necessity – when treatments have been unsuccessful and realistic cure is unlikely – it is still a choice. Patients may choose to end hospice should they decide that there are other options they want to try. In situations where a patient is incapacitated, a family member with power of attorney could choose to end hospice as well.
Some patients do choose hospice over curative treatments when aggressive treatments are likely to impact quality of life. In these situations, they are also welcome to change their mind and resume or start more aggressive curative approaches.
No one is forced to be in hospice, no matter how ill they may be. Should a patient decide that they want to resume curative treatments, they can do so at any time.
Do Patients Often End Hospice Care?
Although patients have the option to go back into curative care, it is rare. Those that do choose to try for a cure typically do end up back at hospice again as well. Because hospice is never a rash decision, patients and their doctors are usually certain that it is the sensible choice for living out their final days.
However, rest assured that in a situation where curative care is desired, or there is reason to believe that a curative treatment option is out there, patients are more than welcome to elect to end hospice at any time and resume their other medical treatments.
Insurance companies that cover hospice should continue to pay for curative treatments, and pay for hospice again in the future should you need it, although this varies based on your policy type (always ask your agent or review your health insurance for more accurate coverage information). If you or your loved one in comfort care want to resume curative treatments, they may do so at any time.