Answers to Your Questions

Hospice is specialized medical care focused on comfort, quality of life, and dignity for people facing a life-limiting illness. Rather than trying to cure the illness, hospice provides expert pain and symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual care — allowing patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Absolutely not. Hospice redefines hope — from hoping for a cure to hoping for comfort, peace, meaningful moments, and a life lived with dignity. Many families tell us that hospice gave them the best quality time they'd had in months. It's about living well, not giving up.

Hospice is available when a physician determines that a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. However, many families wish they had started hospice sooner. If you're wondering whether it's time, we encourage you to call us for a conversation — there's no obligation.

Both hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and quality of life, but they differ in timing and scope. Palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Hospice care is specifically for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than cure. Think of hospice as a specialized form of palliative care for end-of-life.

Medicare defines four levels of hospice care: Routine Home Care — the most common level, with regular visits from the hospice team in the patient's home. Continuous Home Care — intensive nursing care provided at home during a medical crisis. Inpatient Respite Care — short-term care in a facility to give family caregivers a break. General Inpatient Care — hospital-level care for symptoms that cannot be managed at home. We provide all four levels based on your loved one's needs.

Anyone can make a referral — you, a family member, a doctor, a social worker, or a friend. Simply call us at (805) 361-0264 and we'll guide you through the process. Most patients are admitted within 24–48 hours.

While a physician's order is ultimately needed for hospice admission, you don't need one to call us. We can coordinate with your loved one's doctor, or our medical director can provide the necessary certification.

We bring care to wherever the patient calls home — their own house or apartment, an assisted living facility, a skilled nursing home, or a hospital. Our goal is to provide comfort in the most familiar and comforting environment possible. We serve patients throughout Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley.

After admission, your care team will conduct a thorough assessment and create a personalized care plan. A nurse will visit to evaluate symptoms and set up any needed medications or equipment. A social worker will connect with the family to discuss needs and resources. Medications, a hospital bed, and other supplies are typically delivered within 24 hours. Your team will explain exactly what to expect and how to reach us at any time.

Hospice care is intermittent, meaning team members visit on a scheduled basis — typically several times per week. However, our on-call nurse is available 24/7 by phone, and if a crisis arises, we can provide continuous bedside nursing care. We also train family caregivers so they feel confident between visits.

Visit frequency depends on the patient's needs and care plan. Typically, a nurse visits 2–3 times per week, a home health aide visits 2–3 times per week for personal care, and the social worker, chaplain, and volunteer visit as needed — usually weekly or biweekly. As needs change, visit frequency is adjusted.

No. This is a common concern, but research consistently shows that properly managed pain medication does not shorten life. In fact, studies suggest that patients with well-managed pain and symptoms often live longer than those whose pain goes untreated. Our nurses are experts in pain management and carefully adjust medications to keep your loved one comfortable.

Our medical team reviews all existing medications and works with the patient's physician to determine which ones should continue. Medications related to the hospice diagnosis are covered by hospice. Some medications unrelated to the terminal condition may continue as before. We ensure a smooth transition with no gaps in care.

In some cases, yes. Treatments like radiation therapy may be continued if they are being used for comfort purposes — for example, to shrink a tumor that is causing pain. Our medical team works with the patient's physician to determine which treatments align with the goals of comfort care.

Yes. Our nurses and aides provide hands-on training for family caregivers, covering topics like medication administration, repositioning, personal care, and recognizing changes in condition. We also provide written materials and 24/7 phone support so you never feel alone in caring for your loved one.

Yes. Pediatric hospice care is available for children with life-limiting conditions. Our team has experience providing age-appropriate comfort care and emotional support for the entire family. Pediatric hospice can also be provided concurrent with curative treatment under the Affordable Care Act.

For most patients, hospice care is fully covered by Medicare Part A, including all medications related to the hospice diagnosis, medical equipment (hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc.), and supplies. We also accept Medicaid and most private insurance plans. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Hospice includes: skilled nursing visits, physician oversight, medications for pain and symptom management, medical equipment and supplies, home health aide assistance, social work services, spiritual counseling, volunteer support, and bereavement support for the family.

Medicare covers virtually all hospice-related costs. However, there may be a small copayment for outpatient prescription drugs (no more than $5 per medication) and a 5% copay for inpatient respite care. Costs for any treatments or conditions unrelated to the terminal diagnosis are handled through regular Medicare or other insurance.

No. We never require financial contributions from families for hospice services. Our care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, please still reach out — no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Yes. Our on-call nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your loved one has a change in condition or you have urgent concerns at any hour, you'll always be able to reach a member of our clinical team.

If a patient's condition improves or stabilizes, they can be discharged from hospice and return to curative treatment. Hospice is not a one-way door — patients can be readmitted if their condition changes again.

Yes. Our bereavement program provides grief support including one-on-one counseling, support groups, and community resources. We believe caring for the family doesn't end when the patient's journey does.

Yes. Our grief support resources, including support groups, are available to anyone in the community who has experienced a loss — not just families of our patients. Contact us to learn about upcoming groups and resources.

We take every concern seriously. Families can speak with their care team, contact our office, or reach our administration directly. As a Joint Commission-accredited organization, we follow rigorous quality improvement processes. We also welcome feedback at any time — it helps us provide better care for everyone.

Yes. We have Spanish-speaking staff available and can arrange interpreter services for other languages. We are committed to ensuring every patient and family can communicate comfortably with their care team. Santa Maria is a richly diverse community, and we are proud to serve families from all backgrounds.

Absolutely. We respect and honor each patient's cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and personal values. Our chaplains work with families of all faiths — or no faith — and our care plans are always customized to reflect what matters most to the patient and family. Whether it's dietary needs, prayer practices, or end-of-life rituals, we accommodate your wishes.

There are many ways to support our mission: volunteer your time to provide companionship and respite care, make a donation to support families in need, or help spread the word about hospice care in our community. Call us at (805) 361-0264 to learn more about how you can get involved.

Hospice volunteers make a meaningful difference by providing companionship, reading to patients, running errands, or simply being a comforting presence. No medical background is required — we provide all the training you need. Volunteers typically commit a few hours per week on a flexible schedule. Learn more about volunteering or contact us to join our next training session.