Hospice for Lung Disease
Medical Equipment Provided By Us:
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Oxygen Concentrator
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Portable Oxygen
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Nebulizer Machine
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C-PAP
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Inhalers
​Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of progressive lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. It affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States and is the third leading cause of death.
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COPD develops gradually, and many individuals with early symptoms, such as increasing breathlessness, often dismiss them as a natural part of aging. In the later stages, symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, respiratory infections, wheezing, and fatigue can significantly restrict daily activities. While there is no cure for COPD, its symptoms can be managed to slow the disease's progression and improve quality of life.
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The gradual decline caused by COPD often leaves patients uncertain about when they meet the criteria for hospice care. In addition to general eligibility, we also consider the following factors when determining hospice eligibility for COPD patients.
Hospice care may be suitable for patients with various severe lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and end-stage tuberculosis.
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To qualify for hospice care, a patient must have a life expectancy of six months or less. Only a physician can determine life expectancy, typically based on factors like the patient’s reduced functional capacity and their decision to discontinue curative treatments or intubation.
Our Physicians can make an official hospice referral for those that qualify.
Some criteria for recommending a patient to hospice care include:
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Recent visits to the ER or hospitalization for pulmonary infections or respiratory failure
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Dyspnea or tightness in the chest (FEV1 <30% of predicted)
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Identification of specific structural/functional impairments
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Relevant activity limitations
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Changes in appetite and unintentional progressive weight loss
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Impaired sleep functions
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Decline in general physical endurance
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Impaired mobility
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Requires oxygen some of the time or all of the time
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May require breathing treatments or use of inhalers
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May have difficult eating or carrying on conversations without become short of breath
When to call Hospice.​​
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The gradual progression of COPD can make it challenging for family members to determine when a patient qualifies for hospice care.
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We recommend initiating the hospice care conversation as early as possible, allowing time to explore all available care options before a crisis arises. St. Catherine's Healthcare can provide additional guidance on the next steps for both the patient and their family. We offer patient assessments 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing worsening COPD symptoms, please contact us at 832-328-8787 to schedule a free consultation.
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(COPD) 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.
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
We're Here For You 24/7
Our hospice care experts are available 24/7 to help answer questions, provide support, and make sure all of your needs are met