Signs of General Decline in Seniors: When Sun City West Families Should Consider Hospice
If you have an aging parent or spouse in Sun City West, you may have noticed subtle changes that are difficult to explain.
They’re sleeping more.
Eating less.
Losing weight.
Falling more often.
Withdrawing from conversation.
You may not have a clear diagnosis. There may not be one major event. Instead, it feels like a gradual fading — a general decline.
Many families in Sun City West struggle with knowing what this stage means and when it may be time to consider hospice care.
Sun City West, Az
What Is “General Decline” in Seniors?
General decline is not a formal medical diagnosis. It is often described as:
Progressive weakness
Reduced mobility
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Increased confusion
More time spent sleeping
Frequent hospital or ER visits
Sometimes physicians refer to this as “adult failure to thrive.”
For families, it simply feels like watching someone slowly lose strength and independence.
When Does General Decline Become a Hospice Conversation?
Hospice care is appropriate when a person’s health is declining and the focus of care shifts from aggressive treatment to comfort and quality of life.
In Sun City West, families often begin exploring hospice when they notice:
1️⃣ Repeated Hospital Visits
If your loved one has been in and out of the hospital — including visits to Banner Boswell Medical Center — without meaningful recovery, hospice can help break that exhausting cycle.
2️⃣ Loss of Ability to Perform Daily Activities
Needing assistance with bathing, dressing, walking, or eating when they were previously independent.
3️⃣ Significant Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss and decreased interest in food are often signs the body is slowing down.
4️⃣ Increased Sleeping
Spending most of the day resting or appearing disengaged.
5️⃣ More Frequent Falls
Falls often increase as weakness progresses.
If several of these changes are happening together, it may be time for a hospice evaluation.
Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up
This is one of the most common fears.
Hospice care in Sun City West focuses on:
Comfort
Symptom management
Reducing hospitalizations
Emotional support
Supporting families through difficult decisions
It does not mean stopping all care. It means shifting the focus to comfort and dignity.
Where Hospice Is Provided in Sun City West
Hospice care is provided wherever your loved one lives:
Private homes
Del Webb communities
Assisted living facilities
Skilled nursing facilities
The care team comes to the patient.
Mountain View Hospice provides registered nurse visits, certified nursing assistants for personal care, social work support, and spiritual care — all focused on comfort and quality of life.
How Hospice Helps During General Decline
When someone is experiencing general decline, hospice can help by:
Managing pain or shortness of breath
Monitoring nutrition and hydration concerns
Preventing unnecessary emergency room visits
Supporting emotional well-being
Helping families prepare for what to expect
For many families in Sun City West, hospice brings relief — not just for the patient, but for caregivers who have been carrying the burden alone.
What Happens During a Hospice Evaluation?
A hospice evaluation is:
Complimentary
No obligation
Focused on education
A nurse will review medical history, current symptoms, and overall functional status. If your loved one qualifies, services can typically begin quickly.
If it is not yet time, you leave with clarity and guidance.
There is never pressure.
If You’re Asking the Question, It’s Reasonable to Explore the Answer
Families often wait until a crisis happens.
You do not have to wait for another fall or hospital visit.
To learn more about hospice care in Sun City West or schedule a complimentary evaluation,
call Mountain View Hospice at 623-230-3698.
We are a nurse-owned, 5-star Google rated hospice serving Sun City West and surrounding West Valley communities.
You do not have to navigate this alone.
