I thought the same thing myself but when I spoke with someone at the Hospice near us, she didn't think that I was jumping the gun.
They are there to help even if the time is not imminent. I think that this is such an individual thing that they want to help as soon as you need it. As for the prescription I don't know.

Paula, how are YOU holding up? Ask Hospice if they have any help available for you if you need it. The woman I spoke to was so kind. I haven't taken advantage of her offer of counseling yet. We are waiting for the results of Neil's scan from Friday. It's really frightening how similar our husband's stats are.

cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.