When the goal of treatment begins to shift from curing the illness to providing comfort, it is time to consider hospice. This time may come well before the physician indicates that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less. Sadly, many wait until their final days to involve hospice. By contacting hospice early in the diagnosis, the patient and family reserve time to understand their options and choose the path that will have the most positive impact on quality of life. The best time to learn about hospice is before you need it.