We wish we had called hospice sooner. Once families experience hospice care, they get it. It’s not what they thought, it’s more support, more help, and more peace than they expected. A lot of people just don’t know that, so they wait.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Ann Lovely RN, BSN, CHPN, Coastal Hospice President & CEO, to discuss “We Wish We Called Hospice Sooner” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• Many families say they didn’t realize how much support hospice truly provides until they experienced it.
• Earlier involvement means better symptom management and improved quality of life.
• Hospice supports the entire family, not just the patient.
• Waiting too long can mean missing opportunities for comfort, meaningful conversations, and planning.
• Hospice is about adding care, not taking anything away.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

When is the right time to refer to hospice? It’s not usually as clear-cut as people think. A lot of families wait, just because they are not sure. Let’s talk about what to look for and how to think about timing a little differently.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Jen Dixon, RN, Coastal Hospice Team Leader, to discuss “When is the Right Time to Refer?” and the importance of starting the conversation early.

Some key points discussed include:

• When curative treatment is no longer effective or aligned with patient goals.
• Increased hospitalizations, ER visits, or noticeable decline are key indicators.
• When symptom management becomes more complex or burdensome.
• When patients or families begin prioritizing comfort over aggressive treatment.
• Earlier referrals lead to better outcomes. There’s no downside to starting the conversation.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

Choosing hospice means giving up. Honestly, that’s just not what it is. For many families, hospice is where they find more support, more comfort, and more meaningful time together. Let’s talk about what hospice really means and maybe reframe it a little bit.

Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Rev Joel Beiler MDiv, CPE Supportive Services Team Leader, to discuss “Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up” and help guide families through those important first steps.

Some key points discussed include:

• Hospice shifts the focus from curing to caring.
• Patients often experience improved quality of life and even stabilization.
• It empowers patients to define what matters most in their time.
• Choosing hospice is an active, thoughtful decision, not a passive one.
• It allows families to focus on connection, not crisis.

At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way.

Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!