When Is It Time to Call for Home Health or Hospice Help?

Making the decision to seek professional care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. Many families delay reaching out for help—not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsure of when the “right time” actually is. At Armonia Home Health & Hospice, we often hear, “I wish we’d called sooner.”

The truth is, getting the support you need early—whether it’s home health or hospice—can dramatically improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Recognizing the Need for Home Health
Home health care is designed for individuals who are recovering from illness, surgery, or managing a chronic condition but wish to remain in the comfort of their home. This type of care often includes skilled nursing, physical or occupational therapy, and help with medications or wound care.

You may want to consider home health when your loved one:
- Has been recently hospitalized or discharged from a nursing facility
- Needs help managing a chronic illness like diabetes, COPD, or heart disease
- Is at risk of falling or has had recent falls
- Is showing signs of weakness or difficulty with mobility
- Requires wound care, IV therapy, or injections
- Needs regular monitoring of vital signs or medication management

Early intervention through home health can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and keep your loved one safe, comfortable, and healing at home.

Recognizing the Need for Hospice Care
Hospice care is about comfort—not cure. It’s for patients with a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less, as certified by a physician. But hospice isn’t just about the final days of life. It’s about living well for as long as possible.

You may want to consider hospice when your loved one:
- Has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is no longer seeking curative treatment
- Has frequent ER visits or hospitalizations
- Is experiencing increased pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing
- Is losing weight rapidly or has reduced appetite
- Sleeps most of the day or is withdrawing socially
- Needs more help than family caregivers can safely provide

Hospice brings in a team of professionals—including nurses, social workers, aides, chaplains, and volunteers—who provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to the patient and their family.

What If You’re Not Sure?
If you’re asking, “Is it time?”—that may be your answer. You don’t need to have all the answers before you call. That’s what we’re here for. At Armonia, our experienced care team can help assess your loved one’s needs and guide you through the options that make the most sense for your situation.

Getting care in place early means:
- Less stress for family caregivers
- More comfort for your loved one
- More time to plan, connect, and make meaningful memories

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether your loved one needs short-term medical help or long-term comfort care, we’re here to provide compassionate, professional support every step of the way.