Hospice At A Glance
Clear, compassionate information to help your family make the right decision, fast.
What Is Hospice?
Hospice is comfort focused care for people with a life limiting illness when the goal shifts from cure to quality of life. The hospice team manages pain and symptoms, supports emotional and spiritual needs, and helps families feel prepared and supported 24/7.
Hospice is a Medicare benefit for eligible patients and can be provided where the patient lives, at home, in a nursing facility, or another residence.
Who Is Hospice For?
You may be ready to consider hospice when one or more of these are true:
- A physician believes life expectancy may be six months or less if the illness follows its usual course.
- There are frequent ER visits or hospitalizations for the same condition.
- Symptoms are increasing (pain, breathlessness, weakness, weight loss) despite treatment.
- Treatments focused on cure are no longer working or are no longer desired.
- The family needs more help at home for comfort and safety.
Not sure? Call us, we can help assess whether hospice is appropriate and discuss options without any obligation.
What Hospice Includes
A coordinated care plan tailored to the patient’s goals, typically including:
- Medical oversight by a hospice physician and the patient’s own doctor
- Skilled nursing for symptom and medication management
- Home health aide support for personal care (bathing, grooming, comfort)
- Social work for practical planning, community resources, and caregiver support
- Spiritual care aligned with the family’s beliefs
- Volunteer companionship when available
- Medications, supplies, and durable medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis (e.g., hospital bed, oxygen)
- Respite care (short‑term care to give family caregivers a break)
- 24/7 on‑call support for urgent needs
- Bereavement support for the family after a death
Families often tell us: “We wish we had called sooner.” Hospice is not giving up, it’s choosing comfort and support.
Where Hospice Happens
Most hospice care occurs where the patient lives. Our team visits regularly and is on call day and night.
We coordinate with facility staff to ensure comfort and continuity.
Short term stays may be used for symptom crises or caregiver relief when needed.
How to Start Hospice (3 Simple Steps)
Speak with our hospice team to discuss needs and answer questions.
We obtain the necessary orders and verify insurance/benefits (including Medicare/Medicaid and most private plans).
Once eligible, we set up medications, equipment, and first visits often within 24-48 hours.
You can leave hospice at any time and resume curative treatments if you choose. If needs change, hospice can also be re elected later.
Common Signs It Might Be Time
- Uncontrolled pain, nausea, anxiety, or shortness of breath
- Rapid decline in function; spending most of the day in bed or chair
- Significant unintentional weight loss or poor appetite
- Multiple falls or new safety concerns at home
- Caregiver exhaustion/burnout
If you’re seeing these signs, call us for a no‑pressure conversation.
Medicare & Insurance Basics
- Medicare covers hospice at 100% for eligible patients, including medications, supplies, and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis.
- Medicaid and many private insurers offer similar benefits.
- Room and board in facilities is generally not covered (unless during certain short‑term levels of care). We’ll explain coverage in plain language before you decide.
Your Team, Your Goals
Every plan of care is built around what matters most to the patient and family, comfort, time together, honoring traditions, and making every day count. We listen first, then create a plan that supports those goals.
Compare Care Options
Not sure if hospice is the right fit today? Explore our quick comparison:
Comfortfocused care for advanced illness; comprehensive support; 24/7 availability.
Shortterm skilled nursing/therapy to help recover from an injury, illness, or surgery.
Symptom management at any stage of serious illness while still receiving treatment.
See our [Compare Care Options] page for a side‑by‑side breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hospice only for the last days of life?
No. Many patients receive hospice for months and in some cases even longer, benefiting from consistent support and better symptom control.
Can we keep our primary doctor?
Yes. Your doctor remains part of the care team and collaborates with our hospice physician and nurses.
Can hospice be provided in a nursing home or assisted living?
Yes. We coordinate with facility staff to deliver hospice services where the patient lives.
What if the patient improves?
If a patient stabilizes or improves, hospice may be paused or discontinued; services can resume later if needed.
Does hospice give pain medication that “hastens death”?
No. Medications are used safely and carefully to relieve symptoms and improve comfort, not to shorten life.
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