Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver. When the liver becomes damaged by a virus, it will begin to scar. Once the damage becomes serious enough that the liver can no longer heal itself, it is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a degenerative disease that can ultimately lead to liver failure when the liver is losing or has lost all function. Although there are treatment options to help manage the condition, there is currently no known cure.

So how do you know it could be time to consider hospice care for an end-stage liver disease patient? Keeping in mind that only a doctor can make a clinical determination, the signs below may indicate the patient may benefit from hospice services:

• Symptoms become difficult to manage
• Sudden or progressive loss of functional independence
• Weight loss or reduced appetite
• Restlessness
• Altered mood or behavior
• Majority of time is spent in bed
• Confusion
• Abdominal distention
• Bowel dysfunction
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchy skin

If you would like more information on how Springhill Home Care can help patients with end-stage liver disease, please contact us.