Can patients with COPD or heart failure receive hospice care?

Heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most common non-cancer diagnoses in hospice care. When these conditions have progressed to the point where treatments are no longer improving function and the patient experiences frequent hospitalizations, significant breathlessness, or severe functional decline, hospice becomes appropriate and highly beneficial.

For heart failure patients, hospice focuses on managing fluid overload, reducing breathlessness, and optimizing medications for comfort rather than cure. We work closely with cardiologists during the transition and ensure patients continue to receive medications that relieve symptoms even when curative intent is no longer the focus.

For COPD patients, managing breathlessness is the highest priority. Our team uses a combination of medications, positioning techniques, breathing exercises, and supplemental oxygen to reduce the sensation of air hunger. We also provide oxygen equipment and supplies directly in the home. Patients and families consistently report that hospice significantly improves day-to-day breathing comfort in advanced COPD.