The most frequent comment hospice hears is, "Why didn't anyone tell us about this wonderful program before now? I have needed this help for so long." Most people wait for their physician to recommend hospice.  The truth is, most physicians don't know when it is time for hospice because they don't understand hospice. Physicians are trained in curative care. Great news if your condition is curable. However, life is terminal. 100% of us will die. Therefore, for those living with a life-limiting illness, the question for the physician should be, "Would you be surprised if I (or my loved one) would die within the next 6 months?" If the answer is "no, I wouldn't be surprised", then it is time for hospice.