A patient and family are appropriate for HospiceCare when:

	The patient resides in Broward, Miami-Dade or Monroe County.
	The patient has a life-limiting illness and a limited-life expectancy, as stated by their physician.
	The patient/family must agree to palliative rather than curative treatment.
	The patient is of any age.
	The patient is currently under the care of a licensed physician who will authorize HospiceCare Services.
	The patient has a caregiver in the home who can accept the responsibility for the patient's care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Patients are referred to HospiceCare from a number of sources including their own physician, hospital social workers and discharge planners, community agencies, friends and family members. All patient evaluations for admission must be made with the attending physician's permission.

    Patients with various diagnoses may qualify for hospice services. Admission to HCSEF is not based solely on a diagnosis of cancer. Appropriate qualifications to be considered for hospice may be but not limited to:

1. Cancer
2. End Stage Alzheimer's Disease
3. End Stage Neurological Disease
4. End Stage Cardiovascular Disease (ESCVD)
5. End Stage Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA)
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
7. Multiple Organ Systems Failure
8. End Stage Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
9. End Stage Renal Disease
10. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

1. Progressive decline despite aggressive curative treatments
2. Uncontrolled or increased pain
3. Progressive weight loss
4. Multiple hospitalizations
5. Progressive increase in difficulty breathing
6. Progressive neurological decline
7. Bedbound, withdrawn, confused
8. Increased difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
9. Uncontrolled or increased incidents of infections
10. Progressive weakness or fatigue
11. Increased dependence on oxygen
12. Increase nausea or vomiting
13. Multiple draining, non-healing wounds
14. Increased edema
15. Uncontrolled renal insufficiency