Understanding hospice care
What hospice is, when to consider it, and what actually happens once care begins.
What is hospice care?
Hospice is a specialized form of medical care designed for people facing a life-limiting illness. Instead of trying to cure the disease, hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and dignity.
A full team of professionals — nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers — works together to address every dimension of a patient's well-being: physical symptoms, emotional needs, spiritual concerns, and practical support for the entire family.
Hospice care goes wherever the patient calls home: their own house, an assisted living facility, a skilled nursing home, or a hospital. And for most families, hospice is fully covered by Medicare.
Hospice isn't only for the patient. Your team supports the whole family, from the first visit through bereavement care after a death.
When to consider hospice
Many families wish they had started hospice sooner. Here are signs that it may be time to have the conversation.
Not sure if your loved one qualifies? Learn more about hospice eligibility.
- Frequent hospitalizations or ER visits
- Declining ability to perform daily activities
- Significant unintended weight loss
- Increased falls or difficulty with mobility
- Progressive shortness of breath at rest
- Recurring or worsening infections
- Declining mental clarity or increasing confusion
- The patient or family says “I wish I had more help”
- The physician would not be surprised if the patient passed within 6 months
Hospice care vs. palliative care
Both focus on comfort, but they serve different needs at different stages.
Hospice myths vs. reality
Fear and misinformation keep many families from getting the support they need. Here's the truth about hospice care.
- Myth 01
Hospice means giving up.
RealityHospice redefines hope — from hoping for a cure to hoping for comfort, peace, and meaningful time with loved ones. Many families say hospice gave them the best quality time they'd had in months.
- Myth 02
Hospice hastens death.
RealityResearch shows that patients receiving hospice care often live longer than similar patients who don't. Proper pain and symptom management actually supports the body's natural processes.
- Myth 03
You can only get hospice in the last few days of life.
RealityHospice is available when a physician determines a life expectancy of six months or less. Starting earlier allows families to benefit from the full range of support services.
- Myth 04
Hospice means being sedated and unresponsive.
RealityThe goal of hospice is comfort, not sedation. Our medical team carefully adjusts medications so patients can remain alert and engaged with their loved ones while being free from pain.
- Myth 05
Hospice is only for cancer patients.
RealityHospice serves patients with any life-limiting illness — heart disease, COPD, dementia, ALS, kidney failure, liver disease, stroke, and more.
- Myth 06
Once you start hospice, you can't go back to regular treatment.
RealityHospice is not a one-way door. If a patient's condition improves, they can be discharged and return to curative treatment at any time.
What to expect when hospice begins
The first call
You contact us (or your doctor does). We listen to your situation and answer your questions, with no pressure and no obligation. If hospice seems appropriate, we schedule an assessment.
Assessment & admission
A nurse visits to evaluate the patient, discuss goals of care, and explain what hospice will look like for your family. Most patients are admitted within 24–48 hours.
Equipment & medications arrive
We deliver a hospital bed, medications, and any needed supplies to the home, typically within 24 hours of admission. Everything is covered by Medicare.
Your team gets to know you
Over the first week, your full care team — nurses, aides, social worker, chaplain — visits to build a relationship and create a personalized care plan based on your loved one's wishes.
Ongoing care & support
Regular visits continue based on your loved one's needs, and we review and adjust the care plan as things change. Our on-call team answers 24/7.
Taking care of yourself
Caring for a loved one is meaningful and exhausting, often within the same hour. Here's how to look after yourself while you do it.
- 01
Accept help
When people offer to help, say yes. Let them bring meals, run errands, or sit with your loved one so you can rest.
- 02
Rest when you can
Caregiver fatigue is real. Use respite care services, take breaks, and protect your sleep before you run out of it.
- 03
Stay connected
Isolation is common for caregivers. Stay in touch with friends, join a support group, or talk to our social worker.
- 04
Ask questions
No question is too small. Our nursing team is available 24/7 and wants you to feel confident and informed.
- 05
Honor your feelings
Grief, anger, guilt, and relief can all coexist. These feelings are normal. Our counselors are here for you too.
- 06
Take care of yourself
Eat well, move your body, and see your own doctor. Your health matters, for you and for the person you're caring for.
Additional resources
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Medicare Hospice Benefits
Official Medicare information about hospice coverage and eligibility.
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CaringInfo (NHPCO)
Educational resources and planning tools for patients and families considering hospice.
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CaringInfo hospice planning
Free guides for families who are deciding whether hospice is the next step.
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Caregiver Action Network
Support, resources, and community for family caregivers.
Have a question we haven't answered? Our frequently asked questions go deeper.
Have questions? We're here to help.
Hospice is a lot to take in. Call and ask us anything, at any hour, and we'll answer plainly and without obligation.