Hospice Eligibility Guidelines

Clarity, compassion, and guidance when you’re not sure if it’s time.

Some days your loved one seems stable, and other days even simple tasks feel exhausting. You may have heard bits and pieces about “six months” or “stopping treatment,” but the actual guidelines feel unclear or overwhelming.

At AlēvCare Hospice, we walk with families and clinicians through hospice eligibility with compassion, clarity, and peace of mind. We take time to listen to what has been happening, review medical information with your permission, and coordinate with the physician so you are not left guessing what “qualifies.”

Get Compassionate Hospice Care

Call (469) 630-2538 to speak with our hospice team.

Hospice Eligibility Service in Texas


What Hospice Eligibility Means

Hospice care is considered when a person is living with a serious and the focus is shifting from curative treatment to comfort, connection, and quality of life.

Eligibility typically includes three main ideas:

  • A serious or advanced illness is present
  • Treatments aimed at cure or significantly prolong life are no longer helping or no longer desired
  • The goal of care is comfort and support for both the patient and family

Hospice eligibility is not an exact prediction about time. Every person’s situation is unique, which is why a careful medical review and conversation are so important.

Common Conditions That May Qualify for Hospice

Hospice eligibility is based on how an illness is progressing, not just the name of the diagnosis. Some common conditions include:

Advanced heart disease (such as congestive heart failure or CHF)

Advanced lung disease (such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis)

Advanced kidney or liver disease

Cancer that is not responding to treatment or when treatment is not desired

Neurologic diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS

Frailty and decline with multiple chronic conditions

If your loved one’s diagnosis is not listed here, it does not mean hospice isn’t an option. Our team can help you understand how eligibility may apply in your specific situation.

Signs It May Be Time to Consider Hospice

Beyond diagnoses and paperwork, families often notice changes such as:

  • More frequent hospitalizations or ER visits
  • Increasing pain or shortness of breath despite treatment
  • Significant weight loss or poor appetite
  • Spending most of the day in bed or a chair
  • Needing more help with bathing, dressing, walking, or eating
  • More frequent infections or complications
  • Confusion, memory changes, or difficulty communicating
  • Family and caregivers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next

You do not have to wait until the final days of life. Starting hospice earlier often means better symptom control, fewer crises, and more support at home.

Who Decides if Someone is Eligible?

Hospice eligibility is a shared process that includes:

  • The patient and family, who share goals, wishes, and day-to-day realities
  • The attending physician, who provides medical history and insight into the progression of illness
  • The hospice physician and nursing team, who review records, ask questions, and understand the current situation

Together, they decide whether hospice is appropriate based on clinical guidelines, how your loved one is doing today, and the priorities of the patient and family.

Even if you are unsure whether your loved one meets criteria, you can ask for a hospice evaluation. There is no obligation to begin services if it doesn’t feel like the right time.

Early Hospice Eligibility and Why Timing Matters

Many families believe hospice is only for the final days of life, and as a result, people often receive hospice care much later than they could have.

Starting hospice earlier can:

  • Improve comfort and symptom management
  • Reduce ER visits and hospitalizations
  • Allow more time at home or in a familiar setting
  • Provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support over a longer period
  • Give caregivers more education, guidance, and time to breathe

At AlēvCare Hospice, we see hospice eligibility not as a deadline, but as an opportunity to bring more help, more peace, and more meaningful moments into a very difficult season.

How AlēvCare Hospice Reviews Eligibility

Because we are locally owned and guided by our Grow Small philosophy, we approach hospice eligibility with both clinical excellence and personal attention.

When you contact AlēvCare Hospice you can expect:

  • A real conversation, where we listen to what has been happening, not just read a chart
  • Review of medical information, hospitalizations (with your permission), and recent changes
  • Coordination with your loved one’s physician, so we understand the full picture
  • Clear explanations in everyday language, not medical jargon

Our goal is to help you make decisions with confidence, not confusion.

Our Commitment to Saying “Yes” When it Matters

Hospice guidelines can look rigid from the outside. Within those guidelines, there is room for compassion and sound clinical judgment.

At AlēvCare Hospice:

  • We take the time to understand your loved one’s story, not only their diagnosis
  • We partner closely with physicians to fully explore whether hospice is appropriate
  • We honor reasonable clinical requests from our team when they believe something will improve comfort or safety
  • We are transparent if someone is not eligible yet, and we offer guidance on what to watch for

Our goal is to help families receive hospice care when it will truly make a meaningful difference.

How To Start a Hospice Eligibility Review

Taking the first step can feel intimidating. We keep the process simple and supportive.

Step 1: Reach Out

Call us or submit a referral. Share what has been happening and what concerns you most.

Step 2: Medical Review

With your permission, our hospice nurse and physician review clinical information and coordinate with your loved one’s physician.

Step 3: Conversation and Next Steps

We explain whether hospice appears appropriate, answer your questions, and outline options.

If hospice is a good fit and you choose to begin, we move into admission planning and support.

Testimonials

See What Families Are Saying About Us!

Excellent
AlēvCare Hospice4.9
Based on 92 reviews
Art
6 hours ago
I am extremely grateful for the care and support AlevCare Hospice provided to my family during one of the hardest times in our lives. After losing my wife, their compassion, kindness, and guidance helped me and my children through an unimaginable loss. Their team went above and beyond to make us feel supported and cared for. I will always appreciate the comfort and compassion they showed our family.
Sheri G.
2 weeks ago
The Alev team members that assisted my mother in her last months far exceeded my expectations. The aids, nursing profession als, doctors, social workers, etc gave so much of themselves to Mom and to me! They prepared me for what next expectations were. I cannot fully express my gratitude for their care.
Mitchell T.
2 weeks ago
Excellent service. They were compassionate, caring and professional. When my dad passed at home they were there and helped with all the arrangements. Our family is grateful for the hard job they do everyday!
Richard L.
1 month ago
You did not give me enough stars to adequately praise the care we received from AlevCare preceding my husband’s passing into heaven. From Becky’s initial visit until he morning he passed, we were engulfed in compassion, superb care and love from Becky, DaMona and Sarah. I my family and I will be eternally grateful and recommend AlevCare unreservedly. Betty Lee
Lizbeth M.
1 month ago
I cannot put into words how grateful I’am for the amazing care our family received during my dad’s hospice journey. First, the aides, Lupe and Dawn, were absolutely incredible and took such loving care of my daddy with so much compassion, patience, and kindness. Sara our RN was also wonderful and always made us feel supported, along with Tanya (Social worker) who was so caring and helpful during such a difficult time. The entire Cleburne team supported us every step of the way. Our family will forever be thankful for the comfort, dignity, and care they gave not only to my dad, but to all of us. AlevCare was Truly a blessing during one of the hardest moments of our lives.
Audrey K.
1 month ago
During one of the most difficult times in our family’s life, the AlēvCare Hospice in Johnson County team provided exceptional care, compassion, and support for my mother and for all of us who loved her. They treated Mom with dignity, kindness, and respect, ensuring she was comfortable and cared for every step of the way. Becky, who patiently walked our family through the intake process during an overwhelming and emotional time. She took the time to answer our questions, explain what to expect, and made the transition to hospice care much easier than we ever imagined. Throughout Mom’s journey, Becky was always available whenever we needed guidance or support, and her kindness and reassurance meant so much to me & my family. We are deeply grateful to Cindy, who provided compassionate, attentive nursing care. Her professionalism and dedication to Mom’s comfort brought reassurance to our entire family. Knowing Cindy was there to monitor Mom’s needs and answer our questions gave us great peace of mind. Angee, the chaplain, whose compassionate support brought comfort and encouragement during a very difficult time. Her caring presence, thoughtful conversations, and spiritual guidance provided strength to me. Stephanie, who came to Mom’s house in the middle of the night when we needed help most. During one of the hardest moments our family has ever faced, Stephanie arrived with compassion, calmness, and professionalism. She stayed with us when Mom passed away, offering guidance, comfort, and support through an experience that felt overwhelming and heartbreaking. We will never forget her kindness, her reassuring presence, and the dignity and respect she showed Mom and the family in those final moments. The entire AlēvCare Hospice team (and there were so many more than those listed) was not only professional and knowledgeable but also genuinely caring. They guided us through unfamiliar situations, answered our questions, and supported us with compassion every step of the way. Because of their dedication, Mom was able to spend her final days surrounded by love, comfort, and dignity. Our family will always be grateful for the extraordinary kindness, compassion, and support we received. Thank you for helping us honor Mom’s life and for caring for her—and for us—with such grace during her final journey. We wholeheartedly recommend AlēvCare Hospice in Johnson County to any family facing the difficult decision of hospice care. The compassion, professionalism, and personal attention we received exceeded our expectations and brought comfort during one of the most challenging times of our lives. We will always be thankful for the care they provided to Mom and the support they gave our family.
Nelsis T.
1 month ago
The staff from AlevCare were compassionate, respectful, caring in this difficult time. They treated my dad with kindness even when he was not the easiest patient. I’m grateful for Lupe, who assisted my dad; Nurse Ana; case manager Becky; Chaplain Angie and the whole team at AlevCare.
Greg R.
1 month ago
This company is great they help your family member feel comfortable The best nurses are Kate , Guadalupe,Courtney,and Da Mona they kept my mother happy
Mike D.
3 months ago
Caring for a spouse as their health declines is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. The emotional and physical toll builds quietly, and even the strongest caregivers can feel overwhelmed. That is why the support we have received from AlevCare Hospice has been so meaningful. From the aides to the professional nursing staff, every member of the AlevCare team has shown exceptional compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism. Their attention to detail is outstanding, and their proactive approach has brought reassurance and stability during a very vulnerable time. What has stood out most is the way they care for both the patient and the caregiver. They understand the strain families carry, and they consistently offer guidance, comfort, and genuine kindness. Their presence has made a profound difference in my spouse’s quality of life—and in mine. The care AlevCare provides is truly special. I am deeply grateful for their dedication, empathy, and the way they walk alongside families during life’s most difficult moments. They have my sincere appreciation and my strongest recommendation.
Kelly D.
4 months ago
My name is Kelly Dulac I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Alev Care Hospice during my mother’s final stage of life From the very beginning until her last moments, the entire team demonstrated extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and dedication. Every member of their staff—from the nurse who gently cared for her, to the social services team, and the spiritual support provided, showed genuine kindness and respect. One moment that stood out to me was the gentle and dignified way my mother was cared for during her personal needs. It reflected not only clinical excellence but true humanity. The team was always available, attentive, and thorough, ensuring that both my mother and our family felt supported every step of the way. During one of the most difficult times in our lives, Alev Care Hospice was there for us with unwavering care and compassion. Because of this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone facing similar circumstances. Their work truly makes a difference, and I am incredibly thankful.
Amy A.
4 months ago
We want to thank you for the compassionate, caring, insightful, graceful and knowledgable care you so graciously provided in our time of need. Thanks to Becky and her team, we were given the upmost professional and supportive care quickly and respectfully. You all made us feel so loved and supported in our time of need. Amy and Sharon
Deb R.
4 months ago
From the moment my husband Henry went on hospice, he was treated with respect, and with dignity. His nurses and social worker were the best of the best. I was his full time caretaker for 2and 1/2 years . He was my everything. Not only was Henry treated with respect but so was I. I will forever be grateful for them coming into our lives. Henry passed peacefully at home holding my hand and my heart on December 31, 2025. Alev Care was here for Henry and they are still here for me. I know that I made the right choice for his care with Alev Care.
Photo from customer review
Kristi G.
4 months ago
If you are having to choose a hospice service, you cannot go wrong with AlevCare. I have known Becky Woodall for 30 years, and knew that if Becky was associated with them, they would be top notch. However, I had no idea how awesome and compassionate they would be. Not only were they attentive to my dying father, they were also very considerate of our family. They treated my daddy with dignity when caring for his physical needs, which was really important to my mother. They also consistently checked to see if our family had everything we needed. Most impressive to me was the fact they have a child life specialist that was available to my children, and she even said if they needed her down the road to not hesitate to call. Every single person we came in contact with was compassionate and caring and were not just there for a paycheck. We were very blessed to have AlevCare during Daddy's final days.
Debbie L.
4 months ago
This has been the best hospice care team for me and my family! Through our most difficult time of my mother's last months and days, we had the best care team! The nurses treated mom so well and made her last days here with us the best as possible. The grief counselor Kelly Cox started counseling for my daughter from the very beginning of my mom going on hospice. Kelly has continued counseling with my daughter for over a year. She has been the best support to not only my daughter, but to me as well. We will for ever be grateful for her support and the support of all of the team. I would definitely recommend Alevecare hospice to anyone who's loved one needs hospice care. They will treat you just like family! Thank you Alevecare hospice for all of your support!
Destany W.
4 months ago
Choosing AlecCare over other companies was easy. Being able to have a familiar face during a hard time in my life made everything an ease. Hospice transition is never something anyone wants to face. Becky was by my side, on every call and literally right there when I needed her; during every step of my grandmother going home. Til this day—she makes sure I am okay and checks in periodically, which really matters the most because she does not have too. Becky Woodall is AlevCare! I would recommend this company to anyone!
Tedra F.
4 months ago
End of life decisions and care are never easy. However, when the need arises, having someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate and trustworthy makes the experience more bearable. AlevCare Hospice is an excellent choice. Becky Woodall was instrumental in helping my family navigate the process of choosing the right type of care needed for our loved one. She seamlessly coordinated with facilities, physicians and transportation. Her kindness, compassion and competency made such a difference for our family in a difficult situation. Becky is truly an angel in disguise. I would gladly recommend AlecCare Hospice to any friend or family.
Martha E.
4 months ago
My husband came home from the hospital end of October 2024 with AlevCare. They were wonderful! Becky Woodall made the arrangements, and every nurse, nurse assistant, and anyone else associated with them were so caring and compassionate with him and also with our family members. I wish I could remember all the names. He went on to be with Jesus on November 1 and the nurse and other staff were here immediately. They are truly caring people. Thank you Becky for reaching out to us for this service, which is also a ministry.
Rangler D.
4 months ago
Becky and staff were always there when needed for my mom. Our family had a wonderful experience with AlevCare Hospice.
trimarr07
4 months ago
As a registered nurse, I understand the level of dedication, skill, and compassion that quality end-of-life care requires, and the team at AlēvCare Hospice truly embodies those values. Over the years, I have personally seen the kindness and dignity they provide while caring for my grandparents, dear friends, and other family members. During some of life’s most tender and difficult moments, their attentiveness, compassion, and respect brought comfort not only to our loved ones but to our entire family. I have also known Becky Woodall since grade school, and her integrity and caring spirit have always stood out. Seeing those same qualities reflected in the work she does today brings great comfort and confidence in the care AlēvCare Hospice provides. Both personally and professionally, I am incredibly grateful for the support they offer families and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking compassionate hospice care. Tricia Reynolds, BSN, ADN, LVN
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Brad M.
4 months ago
Aleve care took care of my dear friend with Alzheimer's. I'm very grateful for Becky Woodall's Cleburne team. Thank you so much..
Stacy M.
4 months ago
Becky and her team have taken care of two family members in the past. I was confused on the next steps with both and one call to Becky made everything so much easier. She and her team made sure that both of my family members had the supplies they needed. The care they received was amazing and made their passing very comfortable. I cannot thank both Becky and her team of nurses for the quality of care and the love they have given to me and my family.
Kirsti E.
4 months ago
My father was only on hospice for a week, but during that week our family was well taken care of. The nurses were always available for us to ask questions and they were so kind. They were gentle my father in his last week and I would highly recommend them. Becky helped in more ways than can ever be fully thanked for.
Kara M.
4 months ago
Becky Woodall in her team, have taken care of my godmother who Lives on her own and has no immediate family. My godmother needs assistance four times a week and has met the requirements to be on hospice with a leaves help she is comfortable and at peace with her situation.. I am so grateful that I can contact the team anytime and they react immediately.
Chrisanne B.
4 months ago
My sister was recently placed in the care of AlevCare hospice. She has already received such wonderful care but also been treated with such kindness, compassion, and dignity. Starting off with Becky Woodall, who is such an amazing source of information and her willingness to help at the drop of a hat, to the kind and efficient nurses, the understanding social worker, the loving chaplain, and the family support member, all who provide support and help when my sister needed it most. Their team work together so well to help my sister, and give me the understanding and support I didn’t even know how much I needed.
Allison J.
4 months ago
Becky Woodall was the best by far. In an extremely difficult situation for our family , she literally took over & handled every aspect of the entire process. Can’t thank her enough! Her compassion & care is excellent!!

Get Clear on Hospice Eligibility with
AlēvCare Hospice

If you’re unsure whether your loved one may be eligible, call AlēvCare Hospice at (469) 630-2538.

You are already carrying a great deal. You deserve clear information, kind support, and the space to make the decision that feels right.

AlēvCare Hospice is here to walk with you so you never have to navigate this season in the dark.


Doug D.
7 months ago
The WHOLE STAFF was professional, compassionate, informative, patient, and responsive. Their team made the whole process of mom's passing less stressful. They were caring and comforting. My sister and I are very grateful for the service of AlevCare Hospice of Mansfield, Texas.
Kema J.
9 months ago
My mother was cared for by AlevCare during the last few months of her life. From the administration, volunteers, chaplains, aids and especially the nurses the care she received was top notch. My sister and I feel that their compassionate and thoughtful care greatly improved the quality of her life. Additionally, they communicated with us frequently and we knew what to expect. Since Mom passed (gently and painlessly)they have been very supportive for our family. I highly recommend AlevCare.
Vicki D.
11 months ago
Miss Becky came into my life from a referral. What an absolute Godsend she is! Her crew were quick to get a hospital bed and supplies to my house and all of the people she sent were the very best at what they do. First it was a company called Horizon that came and set up the bed, oxygen and supplies. Mark at Horizon was professional and fast at delivery and pick up. They also had medications delivered to my door! Then it was the Case Worker, Tonya, and the RN Carlie that made decisions that were best for our situation. Two nurse angels from Mercy named Carol and Kristin took shifts to keep my darling husband comfortable while I grieved. There was also Nurse Celia who was so compassionate and patient with my confused husband!! Miss Becky had everything under control during a heartbreaking time for me and from start to finish the whole team was compassionate, professional and extremely competent. I recommend AlevCare Hospice very highly should your family be in the heartbreaking situation we were in. I call them the parade of angels that show up and manage the entire process for you. Thank you to this lovely team of sweet professionals! I will be grateful to each one of you for the rest of my life!
Kris S.
11 months ago
The hospice time with AlevCare is incredible. They are so kind and caring, always in tune with my mother and her needs and are excellent at keeping me informed of her health and mental status. Our family is so thankful for all the attention to detail and their kindness. You can tell it comes from the heart!
Sandy V.
11 months ago
My husband and I are very grateful for AlevCare Hospice. Everyone who has come by the house to speak with my mom has been friendly, caring, professional and knowledgeable about senior care. They anticipate her needs and give us peace of mind. Highly recommend AlevCare Hospice!