My Husband Was Kicked Out of Hospice for Dying Too Slowly

Mike Salmon, a 73-year-old man, had undergone three major operations for aortic aneurysms, sepsis, and delirium due to a stay in the intensive care unit. His doctors suggested two more risky procedures, warning that without treatment, his condition could worsen and lead to death within weeks. Consequently, Mike was admitted to hospice care, a program designed for patients expected to live six months or less, with the aim of providing comfort rather than curing the illness.

Hospice agencies offer medical supplies, equipment, and round-the-clock care from nurses, therapists, and aides. In the United States, over 1.9 million people were enrolled in hospice care in the previous fiscal year, with 80% staying on the program until their death. However, around 6% of patients are discharged from hospice care each year if a hospice doctor determines their condition has stabilized or improved, indicating they are likely to live longer than six months.

Mike was discharged from hospice care in May as his health improved following the successful management of his aneurysm and sepsis. Despite initially choosing a hospice agency based on alphabetical order, Mike and his family experienced difficulties with the service, which included tardy staff, inaccurate medical information, and a lack of responsiveness to corrections.

To avoid similar issues, families are advised to research and choose hospice agencies based on quality ratings, ensuring they meet specific needs such as language proficiency, cultural alignment, or proximity to emergencies. Additionally, the pressure on hospice providers to meet financial goals and avoid fraud audits may lead them to discharge patients prematurely, depriving them of essential care.