Failure to Decline in Hospice – The Good and The Ugly
Published on September 6, 2023
Updated on July 4, 2025
Published on September 6, 2023
Updated on July 4, 2025
Table of Contents
If your loved one is facing a discharge from hospice due to failure to decline, it’s crucial to comprehend the situation. This discharge indicates that the healthcare team believes your loved one’s condition has stabilized and no longer requires hospice care. While this might be a positive sign, weighing the pros and cons before making decisions is important. Let’s delve into this situation’s positive and negative aspects to help you navigate it effectively.
If a patient, power of attorney, or family member of the patient does not believe that a discharge from hospice care is appropriate, they may be able to appeal the decision. Here are some steps to take before the last skilled nursing visit:
When facing a discharge from hospice care due to a failure to decline, it’s essential to carefully evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of this situation. On the positive side, it can indicate improved health and greater independence for your loved one. However, the potential negatives include the uncertainty of the patient’s terminal status, increased caregiver responsibility, the risk of readmission, limited access to specialized care, and the challenging adjustment period. If you disagree with the discharge decision, you can appeal by contacting the hospice provider, requesting a review, and filing a complaint with the state agency. These steps can help ensure your loved one’s best interests are considered throughout their hospice care journey.
Hospice Expedited Determination Process including appealing
What happens when patients are discharged from hospice care?
Race, Ethnicity and Other Risks for Live Discharge among Hospice Patients with Dementia
The Hidden Curriculum Of Hospice: Die Fast, Not Slow
Live discharge from hospice for people living with dementia isn’t “graduating”—It’s getting expelled
CaringInfo – Caregiver support and much more!
Surviving Caregiving with Dignity, Love, and Kindness
Caregivers.com | Simplifying the Search for In-Home Care
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