Is hospice care only for the elderly?

Hospice care is often associated with elderly patients, but it is not limited by age. Any individual (adult, young adult, teenager, child, or infant) who has a life-limiting illness and meets the eligibility criteria may qualify for hospice services.

Younger patients on hospice often have diagnoses such as advanced cancer, ALS, multiple sclerosis, end-stage organ failure, or rare genetic conditions. The care model adapts to each patient's stage of life and the unique emotional, social, and spiritual needs that come with it. A young adult facing a terminal illness has very different emotional needs than a 90-year-old, and our team is trained to meet patients where they are.

For younger patients and families, deciding to enroll in hospice can feel particularly difficult because it challenges the natural expectation that young people should get better. Our team navigates these conversations with great sensitivity, making sure patients and families feel fully informed, supported, and in control of their decisions throughout the entire process.