Hospice Eligibility Guidelines

Does My Loved One Qualify for Hospice Care?

This is one of the first questions families ask, and one of the most important. Understanding hospice eligibility helps you know whether now is the right time to reach out, and what to expect when you do.

If you already believe your loved one may qualify, you don’t need to wait. Our team will walk through their situation with you directly.

Speak With Our Team

The General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for hospice care, two conditions must be met:

A terminal diagnosis. A physician must certify that your loved one has a life-limiting illness and, if the illness follows its natural course, a prognosis of six months or less.
A shift in the goals of care. Your loved one or their authorized decision-maker must agree to focus care on comfort, quality of life, and symptom management rather than curative treatment.

Meeting these two criteria is what opens the door to hospice care and all of the services that come with it.

Conditions That Commonly Qualify

Hospice is appropriate for a wide range of terminal diagnoses. Common qualifying conditions include:

Cancer
Heart disease or congestive heart failure (CHF)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Kidney failure or end-stage renal disease
Liver disease or end-stage liver failure
Stroke or neurological disease
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
HIV/AIDS
Parkinson’s disease
Failure to thrive

This list is not exhaustive. If your loved one has a serious illness not listed here, contact our team. Eligibility is determined by clinical condition and prognosis, not diagnosis alone.

Signs That Hospice May Be Appropriate Now

Beyond a formal diagnosis, there are clinical and functional signs that often indicate a patient may be ready for hospice care:

Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits with little to no improvement
Significant unintentional weight loss over the past several months
Increasing difficulty with basic daily activities: eating, bathing, mobility
Pain, breathlessness, or other symptoms that are becoming harder to manage
Repeated infections or a pattern of declining overall health
A clearly expressed wish to remain at home and focus on comfort

If several of these apply to your loved one, it is worth having a conversation with their physician, and with us.

Who Makes the Eligibility Determination?

A physician, either your loved one’s attending physician or a hospice physician, must certify that the patient meets hospice eligibility criteria. This certification is required to begin care and is renewed at regular intervals.

Families do not need to obtain this certification themselves. When you contact Golden Rule Hospice, our team works directly with the attending physician to verify eligibility and complete all required documentation on your behalf.

What If the Prognosis Is Uncertain?

A six-month prognosis does not mean your loved one will pass away within six months. It means that if the illness follows its expected course, the physician believes life expectancy to be six months or less.

Patients who live longer than six months can and do continue to receive hospice care, as long as a physician recertifies that they continue to meet eligibility criteria. Many patients remain enrolled in hospice for a year or more.

Patients can also be discharged from hospice if their condition stabilizes or improves, and re-enroll later if their health declines again.

What Eligibility Means for Coverage

When a patient is certified as hospice-eligible, the Medicare Hospice Benefit covers all related services at no out-of-pocket cost. This includes:

Nursing visits and physician oversight
Certified nursing aide personal care
Medications related to the hospice diagnosis
Medical equipment and supplies delivered to the home
Social work, chaplaincy, and bereavement support

Medicaid and most private insurance plans also cover hospice care for eligible patients.

Not Sure If Your Loved One Qualifies?

You don’t need to know the answer before you call. Our care team will listen to your loved one’s situation, help you understand whether they are likely to qualify, and guide you through next steps, at no cost and with no obligation.

Many families discover their loved one has been eligible longer than they realized. The sooner care begins, the more time your loved one has to benefit from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my loved one have to stop all treatment to qualify?

Not necessarily. Patients must agree to focus care on comfort rather than curative treatment for the hospice diagnosis. However, treatment for unrelated conditions can often continue. Your care team will clarify what applies to your loved one’s specific situation.

Can a patient qualify without a cancer diagnosis?

Yes. Hospice is appropriate for any terminal illness: heart disease, COPD, dementia, kidney failure, and many others. Eligibility is based on prognosis and goals of care, not the specific diagnosis.

Can our family reach out without a doctor’s referral?

Yes. You can contact Golden Rule Hospice directly. We will work with your loved one’s physician on the certification process. A referral is not required to start the conversation. Contact us anytime

What if the doctor hasn’t brought up hospice yet?

Physicians don’t always raise hospice proactively. If you believe your loved one may benefit, you have every right to ask their doctor or to call us first. We can help you understand whether now is the right time and how to approach that conversation.

View All FAQs

Is Hospice Right for Your Loved One?

Excellent

Golden Rule Hospice5.0

Based on 264 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Careeka P.

2 days ago

Trayanna has provided excellent care. She is attentive and also thoughtful. We appreciate it.

Yolanda Thomas N.

1 week ago

Vivian really take care of my father she is his CNA she makes sure Dad is well groomed and His Nurse Shamill his nurse is taking really good care of My dad and the Social worker Elizabeth is so kind and thoughtful when i ask questions and all of these ladies are top notch at they show us love and genuine concern not only to my father but to our family as well.They have really made this season in my father’s life as well as ours more tolerable and Golden Rule Hospice I am so thankful for everything you have done for our daddy you never missed a beat no matter how and when I called someone was always available so I am so appreciative that We choose Golden Rule as the Hospice for my father this company and very reliable and caring and so helpful ❤️

Bryan H.

2 weeks ago

Vivian R and Tyrell have been superstars in care giving for my dad. Very friendly and personable. Vivian remembered my mother by name even after we moved to a new facility. We appreciate the quality care!

Lisa S.

2 weeks ago

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our hospice team!!! (Vivian, CNA) Shamille, Tyrell, Liz, Alex and Diana! Caring for someone you love at the end of their life is incredibly difficult, emotional, and at times frightening, and having the right people beside you makes all the difference. From the beginning, our team has treated my mother with kindness, dignity, compassion, and respect. Just as importantly, they have listened to me as her caregiver. They listen to what I'm seeing, answer my questions, explain our options, and help me make decisions based on what will keep my mother peaceful and comfortable. There have been some very difficult days, particularly as her condition has changed, and I have never felt like we were simply another patient or another family on a list. Their compassion feels genuine. They understand that hospice isn't only about caring for the patient—it is also about supporting the family members who are trying to navigate something they have never had to navigate before. They have reassured me when I've questioned myself, respected the fact that I know my mother well, and helped me through situations that were overwhelming and scary. Having knowledgeable professionals who will listen, guide me, and calmly help me determine what she needs has given me tremendous peace of mind. God bless these wonderful people for making an incredibly difficult situation the best it can be. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I've made lifelong friends and I'm forever grateful for everything each one of you does!

Sara F.

4 weeks ago

Quy and Wanda were instrumental while getting my sister admitted to Hospice. They dealt personally with outside agencies to overcome roadblocks. I cannot thank them enough for their compassion.

Elaine B.

2 months ago

This is the 2nd time we have used Golden Rule! Both times we had wonderful care! Dawn & Stephanie took extra care of my mother-in-law for a little over two weeks!! The entire staff was amazing from the get go!! I would highly recommend them!

Alicia R.

2 months ago

Julie is the nicest, caring Cna they have she does really good with all her patients. I hope she gets a bonus or raise for how good she does. -Phoenix lake Lanier.

Barbara C.

2 months ago

My brother was a patient with Golden Rule. They were so kind, supportive, and made such a difficult and sad situation become a precious and loving experience. They were available whenever we needed them, and respectful of the time we needed to be alone with family.

Ivan B.

3 months ago

Taylor is a wonderful resource for families navigating the hospice journey. Her contagious smile, compassionate heart, and genuine knowledge of hospice care immediately put people at ease. She takes the time to educate, listen, and support families during some of life’s most challenging moments. It’s clear that she truly cares about the people she serves, and her dedication makes a meaningful difference in our community. I highly recommend reaching out to Taylor if you have questions about hospice care or need guidance for a loved one.

Terry G.

3 months ago

Our family has had a terrific experience with Golden Rule Hospice and our team of Miss Shamille, Miss Vivian and Miss Liz. They have been taking great care of our Mother and are all very friendly and cordial. I would definitely recommend Golden Rule Hospice to anyone who is in need of their services. Thank Y'all very much!

Evelyn W.

4 months ago

The service is very comfortable they make sure Your loved 🙏🏿ones are comfortable and have the supplies they need in such a difficult time🙌🏾 with words of encouragement I appreciate Mr.Alex praying for my son and his family 😇and the wonderful help from the nurses Ryan,❤️Jennette💕 ,Dee ❤️and Ms Kim💕 And Ms.Bobbie 💕,Quay thank you all for your time and caring for my son 🙌🏾🙏🏾💪🏾💯all the support we need God got This😇 in Jesus mighty name🙏🏿🙌🏾 thank y’all so much.💕

Mjumbe

4 months ago

Golden Rule Hospice has been a true blessing to me and my family. We especially appreciate the warmth and personal care given by our N.A.

Paul G.

4 months ago

Our family had an excellent experience with Golden Rule Hospice in providing end-of-life care for my stepmother. Everyone they sent to our house was caring and compassionate, and they provided my stepmom with great comfort during the last few weeks of her life. Highly recommended!

James A.

4 months ago

Opal and Vivian are so sweet to Mom. She says they take great care of her. Regina is the Chaplin and is such a great person. The folks at Golden Rule make regular contact with me to see how they can be of service.

Joan R.

4 months ago

It’s difficult to put into words what this hospice team has meant to our family during one of the hardest times of our lives. From the very beginning, they treated my mother-in-law with such dignity, compassion, and genuine kindness. We are especially grateful to Heather, the social worker, and Harlee, her nurse, whose care and presence went above and beyond. Heather, your compassion, steady support, prayers, and guidance helped us navigate moments that felt overwhelming. You brought a sense of calm and understanding that made such a difference for our entire family. Harlee, your attentiveness, gentle care, and reassurance brought so much comfort—not only to her, but to all of us. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Every member of the team showed not only professionalism, but a level of warmth and humanity that made an incredible difference. Heather anticipated needs we didn’t even know to ask for and she was always patient in answering questions, no matter how many. While we are deeply saddened to be transitioning her care due to location, we are incredibly grateful for the support and compassion they have given us. They ensured she was comfortable and treated with dignity in her final days—something our family will never forget. With deepest gratitude, we wholeheartedly recommend Golden Rule Hospice to any family seeking compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. Their impact on our family and the diligent work especially from Heather as we had to make a quick change in care will never be forgotten. Even with us leaving this hospice, Heather continued to exemplify a true servant’s heart and advocated for us to get the best care for my husband’s mother.

Dianna Du P.

5 months ago

Trayonna Latin is a wonderful nurse who provides in home care for my mother. She is consistently kind, patient and attentive and treats my mother with respect and compassion, even on days when my mother is having a bad day.

stormi P.

5 months ago

The staff at Golden Rule Hospice are so kind and caring. My mother has been in their care for over a year which I know is specifically due to the holistic focus on her needs. Julia her nurse is so thoughtful, patient, with a great sense of humor! She is very responsive to outreaches and questions. Dionne her social worker has been so helpful with so many aspects of care and planning. My mother and her reminisce about being from NY and NJ often. She also has a wonderful sense of humor!! We could not have picked a better organization!

Priscilla Z.

5 months ago

Sierra H.

5 months ago

Julia comes to our facility at Dunwoody Place she is a wonderful soul, she takes pride in everything she does when it comes to our residents and it means a lot to us

Kevin G.

5 months ago

Best hospice ever.Best nurse ever. Shamille is great. Highly recommend Shamille. Kevin

Mrs B.

5 months ago

Vivian is an excellent CNA very detailed in caring for her residents. The care is done with love and compassion, as a Director when I see her entering in my neighborhood I know the job will be done. Golden Rule Hospice is amazing in every aspect of care. Shamille the RN that is over our residents is very professional, patient and knowledgeable in her role, as a nurse.

Sheri P.

5 months ago

I cannot praise Golden Rule hospice enough. My sister was Diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer and had hospice services for about two weeks. Vivian our CNA and our Nurse Tyrell and our last nurse who was on call I think her name was LaTia. Also I want to mention the nurse who did the initial intake. The care that they administered to my Sister Meri was above and beyond. I cannot praise this agency enough. The care and respect that was given until the end was remarkable. Vivian was so wonderful with my sister and to see her deep concern and gentle care was amazing. They are all angels. Thank you all for taking care of my sister. If you need to obtain hospice care I highly recommend Golden Rule Hospice.

blingzine

5 months ago

Golden Rule hospice has been a tremendous help with the care of my Mother. Miss Minnie Baker does an excellent job with the bathing and care and is extremely kind and friendly. I would definitely recommend Golden rule to anyone who needs hospice care for a loved one. I am very grateful and thankful for their service. -Mike Green

Glenda W.

5 months ago

My team at Golden Rule Hospice is amazing. They are the kind and competent caregivers that love on my mother as much as I do. Our nurse Shamille is responsive and so helpful making sure we get all the meds we need. She’s also great and bringing comic relief to an otherwise impossible situation. Our chaplain Regina comes with wise words of comfort and beautiful prayers. Our social worker Elizabeth has helped us navigate all the systems including wound care services. And our aide Vivian breezes in three times as week leaving my mother feeling like she spent the day at a spa! Navigating the end of life is full of frustrations, sorrows, and pain. What I love most about this team is how they work together and no one ever says anything like “that’s not my job”. When I’m running low on supplies whoever is the next person to visit will bring them. This is the communication and coordination that makes this very hard season of life bearable. We had a choice of hospice companies and I’ve used another one in the past. Golden Rule Hospice is orders of magnitude better and our family feels so supported through this process.

Taylor K.

5 months ago

We chose Golden Rule because of the stellar reviews, and from the moment Nicole stepped foot in our home, I felt a sense of ease I haven’t experienced since before my father’s terminal diagnosis in July 2025. This journey is hard beyond comprehension, but my father’s team at Golden Rule—particularly Tyrell, Vivian, and Liz—have truly stepped up. They prioritize his comfort. They are there for us. I won’t go into detail, but Tyrell, you staying longer to help my father this past Monday (3/16) was a lifeline for me. And Vivian, you always bring us everything we need. Your tenderness toward my dad during bathing and changing is such a relief, because I know he is in good, loving hands. Liz, you have gone out of your way to provide all the resources we’ve needed. I don’t know what else to say. My heart is broken. If you’re reading this and your heart is broken too, caring for a terminally ill loved one—look no further. Help is here.

We Can Help You Figure Out If the Time Is Right

Figuring out eligibility on your own can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to. Share what’s happening with your loved one, and our team will help you understand exactly where things stand. Call us at (470) 395-6567 any time or reach us online.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward.

Serving families across Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Lumpkin, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, and Walton counties.

Speak With Our Team

Carla R.

Golden Rule had proven to be the top tier , when it come to care and resources, Minnie Baker, Shamille, and Liz have always been there for my client. Doesn't matter the need they are always a phone call away to assist in directing the care and resources needed. I'm so thankful we chose them. My client absolutely loves Ms Minnie, and Shamille. Thanks for all you do, your the best.

Heaven H.

We are very grateful to have found golden rule hospice. We have been working with Vivian who treats my Dad with dignity and respect, and it gives our family so much peace knowing he is in such capable and caring hands. Her work ethic is exceptional, and the level of dedication she shows is something we deeply appreciate. She goes above and beyond, and we are truly blessed to have her. His Nurse Muriel is also wonderful, and does a great job helping our family understand my dad’s needs and care plan. We truly appreciate how clearly she explains his needs and keeps us informed.

Mary

Thank you Golden Rule for being an outstanding hospice care service! When my hubby was diagnosed with a debilitating terminal illness, we secured the name of the hospice care (Golden Rule) that my friend used for her mother. She was very pleased with them, as are we. Our GR hospice team consists of Nurse Cheryl, CNA Andre, Chaplain Stanley, and Social Worker Heather. Nurse Cheryl does a thorough weekly assessment of hubby's condition, orders equipment and prescriptions and always follows up to be sure they have been delivered. She returns our calls promptly. Above all, she is very loving and caring. My husband calls Andre the gentle giant! Andre helps with shower care and my husband is very comfortable with him. Andre works closely with Cheryl and is extremely knowledgeable. We are so thankful this amazing man is on our team. Chaplain Stanley's soft demeanor and interesting stories puts my husband at ease and puts a smile on his face. We both enjoy when he brings his guitar and sings for us. SW Heather continues to be a great wealth of information for us and just a phone call away. We are very thankful for Golden Rule Hospice care during this difficult time in our lives.

kristen L.

Kathy Hazellief is truly wonderful with our hospice residents at Dahlonega Assisted Living and Memory Care. Every time she comes in you can see how much she genuinely cares — she takes her time, speaks gently, and makes sure our residents feel comfortable, calm, and respected. She’s also very supportive to families and staff, explaining things in a way everyone understands and never making anyone feel rushed. Honestly she’s our favorite and does the best by far. We are so thankful for the compassion and kindness she shows because she really makes a hard time a little easier for our residents, their families, and our team.

Alisa S.

Golden rule has provided exceptional care for my mom who is under their care. The nurse, Chris, has been exceptional. The CNA, Kathy, has been exceptional as well. We are extremely happy with their services and would highly recommend them to anyone.

Carla R.

I absolutely love the services that are provided ( Nurse ) Shamille, (CNA) Minnie B. are an awesome team providing care for my client that is 98 yrs. young like a family member. E all look forward to their visits wkly . If I could award this star team personally I would, for such excellent work jobs well done. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do ❣️❣️❣️ it definitely takes a village and special angels to do what is needed to keep clients comfortable and happy . Carla Rogers

Trish T.

Shamille and Vivian have been so wonderful to my dad Robert Butler. They are kind, caring and respectful of my dad. They have also been very kind to me and my sisters as we go thru this end of life journey for my dad Obviously Golden Rule Hospice is an excellent hospice based on these two women.

Stefanie B.

My father was taken care of 3 years ago by Golden Rule and he changed his mind and "graduated". He just turned 97 and after celebrating, he declined rapidly. Fortunately, I knew who to call. Golden Rule was fabulous then and fabulous now. I requested the same nurse, Shamille, and she is as loving and attentive as she was previously. I thoroughly trust her and she always responds to my calls and questions. By the time hospice came on the scene my father was bedridden. The CNA, Vivian, came to bathe him and watching her with him made me cry. She knew exactly how to maneuver him and she made sure his bedding was clean as well. She shaved him and brushed his teeth. He was so happy and said "I feel so good now." She is exquisite in her care. He is in his very last days and she came by just to make sure he was ok and that I was ok. Everyone there I have interacted with (both times) is caring, professional and bring light into what could be a dark time. Elizabeth, the social worker, checks on us regularly and makes sure all the paperwork is in order. Thank you Golden Rule.

Helen H.

Vivian (our CNA) has been very amazing! She takes good care of my dad & helps us any way she can making it easier on my family. We’re so grateful for her as a family. Dianna (our weekend RN) has been very wonderful and very helpful too, helps us any way she can and answers all questions. Thank you golden rule hospice!

Brando

Vivian our CNA is the best! She always brings supplies and a smile and a sweet caring funny spirit! She always makes sure my nana has what she needs. She is very reliable and knows how to build positive relationships with families. She makes sure nana is cared for. She cleans nana and makes her bed. nana always feels comfortable with her.

Connie F.

My experience with Golden Rule has been outstanding. Every staff member has been professional, knowledgeable, friendly and a joy to work with. The one I value the most is Vivian the CNA. My husband and I love her like family. She takes such good care of him and he always express how much better he feels when she leaves. Take God for her. Also I would like to mention Tyrell the nurse and Elizabeth the social worker. Their work is excellent and very commendable.Your company is one of the best health care companies I have had the pleasure of working with. Thank you so much and may Od Bless you all. Constance Rodgers Faison MSN Nursing Professor

Linda I.

My mom has been under the care of Golden Rule for a year, and she has just thrived! She was somewhat depressed when we first started, but now is really enjoying life again.. my mom will be 100 years old in December. Chris Hill is an outstanding nurse with Golden Rule, I attribute mom’s well being mostly to him. He is genuinely kind and caring! Kathy also does a great job with mom, she won’t let anyone else give her showers .Stanley does an excellent job of spiritual support. Thank you Golfen Rule!

T S.

Golden Rule Hospice has provided excellent care for my loved one for about a month now. We have been assigned a lovely Nurse named Opal who has been so sweet, loving, and attentive. We've also had a few visits from the nurse's lovely aide, Edna for showers for my LO. She has also been so wonderful, loving, and kind. They both really know what they are doing and we appreciate them so much. We briefly met the hospice social worker, Elizabeth, and she seems great too.

Bobbie B.

★★★★★ Exceptional Care and Compassion Golden Rule Hospice provided outstanding care for my Grandmother. The entire team was compassionate, professional, and always available to offer support. I want to give special recognition to Care givers,Reggie, Vivian, and Shamiel—their kindness, dedication, and expertise made a difficult time much easier for our family. They went above and beyond to ensure comfort and dignity, and we are truly grateful for their care. I highly recommend Golden Rule Hospice to anyone in need of quality, compassionate hospice services.