It's common for people to have questions about when to start considering hospice care. However, delaying the decision to receive its benefits can be unnecessary.

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If you're wondering whether it's time for hospice care for yourself or a loved one, there are some questions you can answer honestly to serve as a starting point:

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• Have you or your loved one been hospitalized or gone to the emergency room multiple times in the last six months?

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• Have you or your loved one been contacting your physician more frequently?

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• Have you or your loved one started taking medication to relieve pain and symptoms?

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• Do you or your loved one spend most of the day in a chair or bed and experience shortness of breath, even while resting?

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• Have you or your loved one fallen several times over the past six months?

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• Do you or your loved one need help from others with two or more of the following: getting in/out of bed, bathing, eating, dressing, walking, or speaking?

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• Have you or your loved one experienced noticeable weight loss and weakness or fatigue?

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• Have you or your loved one experienced recurring infections?

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• Have you or your loved one started having loss of bowel or bladder functions?

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• Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with a terminal illness or told by a physician that life expectancy is limited?

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If you answered "yes" to four or more of these questions, then hospice care may be appropriate for you or your loved one.