Hospice is appropriate for anyone with an advanced terminal illness who wants care that focuses on improving quality of life rather than curing an illness (palliative care). 

A doctor can certify a patient as “eligible for hospice” if the doctor considers the patient’s life expectancy to be 6 months or less.  However, a patient can be on hospice indefinitely—once the six month period has passed, the doctor can certify continuation of hospice services. A patient can also, at any time, leave hospice care to return to curative treatment. That patient can also re-enroll in hospice anytime as long as one's doctor certifies eligibility for hospice.

Hospice is available to anyone who meets the criteria, regardless of age, gender, race, etc.