when is hospice care usually ordered by a doctor

Hospice care is usually ordered by a doctor when a person has a terminal illness and the doctor believes that hospice care will provide the best chance for the patient to have a peaceful, comfortable death. Hospice is not intended to cure or prolong the life of the patient, but rather to provide them with comfort and support until they die.

There are a number of different types of hospice care, all of which aim to provide some degree of comfort and peace during a person's last days or weeks. Some common types of hospice include palliative care, which focuses on relieving symptoms and providing relief from pain; symptom management, which aims to control symptoms so that they don't become too overwhelming; and home hospice, which allows patients to remain in their own homes while receiving hospice services. 

It's important to note that not every patient will be eligible for hospice care. Hospices typically accept only those patients who have an illness or condition that is likely to lead to their death within six months or less. Additionally, patients must be able to commit themselves fully to receiving hospice services – this means accepting that they may not live long after they enter into treatment.