Parkinson’s Disease - GUARDIAN ANGELS HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

Parkinson's Disease

Hospice admission guidelines for Parkinson's disease

At least one of the following criteria must be satisfied:

1. Severely Compromised Respiratory Function

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) at rest
Vital capacity below 30%
Need for supplemental oxygen while at rest
Patient refuses artificial ventilation

2. Rapid Disease Progression (with A or B below)

Loss of independent mobility — wheelchair or bedbound status
Speech deterioration to barely intelligible or unintelligible
Transition from a regular diet to a pureed diet
Loss of independence in ADLs, requiring significant caregiver assistance

A. Severe Nutritional Decline (past 12 months)

Oral intake insufficient to sustain life
Continued weight loss
Dehydration or hypovolemia
Refusal or absence of artificial feeding

B. Life-Threatening Complications (past 12 months)

Recurrent aspiration pneumonia
Upper urinary tract infection (e.g. pyelonephritis)
Sepsis
Recurrent fever despite antibiotics
Stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers

In the absence of these criteria, rapid decline or the presence of comorbid conditions may further support eligibility for hospice care.

What clinical decline can look like

An illustrative comparison our clinical team may use when assessing disease progression over time.

FAST Score

Progressed from Fast 7a on admission to Fast 7c.

PPS / ADL

PPS decreased from 50% to 40% since admission.

Intake Change

Meals dropped from 100% to 50% with food pocketing; diet shifted to pureed, now needs meal prompts.

Weight Change

Patient has lost 10 pounds since admission.

Alert / Oriented

Sleep increased from 10 to over 15 hours daily; now combative during care.

Skin Issues

New redness observed on the coccyx with no prior skin issues.

Comorbidities

Conditions often seen alongside advanced dementia

Always Ready to Help

Our caring team is here to support you and your loved ones, ready to discuss how our services can bring comfort and peace during this time.

Proudly serving families across Metro Phoenix

Call us at (480) 565-7558 for inquiries.

Proudly serving families across Metro Phoenix

Call us at (480) 565-7558 for inquiries.

Call us anytime