Hospice for HIV/AIDS
St. Catherine's Healthcare offers patient-centered care for individuals who meet the hospice criteria for AIDS. Our team is knowledgeable about the complexities of HIV and AIDS, as well as the additional conditions that arise in immune-compromised patients. The primary goal of hospice care is to manage these symptoms and provide comfort, along with relief from pain.
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Patients with HIV/AIDS may encounter distinct challenges at the end of life. Many individuals living with HIV experience psychosocial issues, such as anger or frustration about how they contracted the virus. As treatment options for HIV have expanded, some patients may feel resentment or a sense of failure when their condition begins to worsen.
Our team is specially trained to address the unique needs of these patients, offering the support and comfort they need during this time.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack itself. If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of the virus, which currently has no cure.
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HIV specifically targets a type of white blood cell known as T-helper cells or CD4 cells. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system by signaling the body to defend against infections and illnesses. As HIV spreads, it destroys more CD4 cells, weakening the body's ability to fight off infections and disease.
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When the number of CD4 cells drops below 200 cells/mm³, the condition is classified as AIDS, the final stage of HIV. A person may also be diagnosed with AIDS if they develop one or more opportunistic infections.
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While there is no specific number of symptoms required to meet hospice eligibility for HIV/AIDS patients, several factors are considered in determining eligibility.
Some criteria for recommending a patient to hospice care include:
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Must have established AIDS or HIV diagnosis
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Decision has been made to forego antiretroviral, antibacterial, antifungal, chemotherapeutic and prophylactic drug therapy related specifically to the AIDS diagnosis.
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Chronic, persistent diarrhea
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Significant weight loss of 10% or more in the past three months
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Generalized weakness
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Viral load > 100,000 copies/ml
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CD4 count < 25
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History of frequent opportunistic infections
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Palliative Performance Indicator Score of 50% or less
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CHF at rest
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AIDS dementia complex
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Toxoplasmosis
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Generalized wasting
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Substance Abuse
When to call Hospice.​​
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​If you believe an AIDS patient meets the hospice criteria outlined above, St. Catherine's Healthcare is here to help. Patients can receive care in the environment that feels most comfortable to them, whether it's their own home, an assisted living facility, or an inpatient unit.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone, please contact us at 832-328-8787 for a free hospice consultation.
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AIDS/HIV Hospice Eligibility Criteria
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Hospice care organizations deliver services wherever the patient resides, which may include the patient's home, a family member’s home, or an assisted living facility. In some cases, hospice services can also be available in a nursing home or medical facility during a short hospital stay.
One of the key goals of hospice care is to ensure the patient is comfortable during the end-of-life stage, and allowing the patient to remain in a familiar environment can support this.
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Hospice care providers make regular visits to the patient’s home, with different members of the care team scheduling visits on various days throughout the week.
Where Hospice Services Are Provided
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