Hospice Care: Comfort, Dignity, and Support at Home
Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life when a cure is no longer likely. Many people benefit from starting hospice earlier, not just in the final days. Starting sooner can reduce stress, manage pain better, and allow more time at home with loved ones.
Who Hospice Helps
Seniors living with a life-limiting illness (for example: advanced heart or lung disease, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Parkinson’s, stroke, kidney disease, cancer, or general frailty).
People who prefer care focused on comfort, symptom relief, and emotional support.
Families who need guidance, respite, and 24/7 support.
What Hospice Is
Hospice is a type of palliative care for those with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. Care is provided where you live—most often at home, but also in assisted living, nursing homes, or inpatient hospice settings when needed.
Your Care Team
A coordinated team supports you and your family:
Your personal doctor
Hospice physician (medical director)
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
Home health aides
Social workers
Chaplains or spiritual counselors (any faith or none)
Trained volunteers
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists when needed
What Hospice Includes
Pain and symptom management to keep you comfortable
Medications, medical supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis (for example: hospital bed, wheelchair)
Regular nurse visits and 24/7 on-call support Personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting)
Emotional and spiritual support for you and your family
Caregiver coaching and respite support
Short-term inpatient care when symptoms are hard to manage at home
Bereavement counseling for loved ones after a death
When to Consider Hospice
Frequent hospital or ER visits for the same illness
Weight loss, more sleep, or less appetite
More help needed with daily activities (bathing, dressing, walking)
Your goal is comfort at home, not more hospital care
Your doctor would not be surprised if you had six months or less to live
Medicare Coverage and Eligibility
Most hospice care is covered by Medicare.
You may qualify if:
You have Medicare Part A
Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its usual course
You choose hospice care instead of curative treatments for your terminal illness
You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program
Important notes:
You can keep seeing your regular doctors for conditions not related to your hospice diagnosis.
If your condition improves, you can leave hospice and return later if needed.
How to Start Hospice (Simple Steps)
Talk to us or your doctor
Call our Care Team for a no-obligation consultation.
We can also speak directly with your doctor.
Confirm eligibility
We coordinate with your physician to confirm hospice eligibility and complete paperwork.
Begin care
Your team creates a care plan and delivers needed equipment and medications. Care often begins within 24–48 hours, depending on your location and needs.
Common Myths and Facts
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer.
Fact: Hospice supports many conditions, including heart failure, COPD, dementia, and general frailty.
Myth: Hospice means “giving up.”
Fact: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and time with loved ones—your goals guide care.
Myth: You must be bedridden.
Fact: Many people are up and about when they start hospice.
Myth: You cannot see your own doctor.
Fact: You can keep your personal physician; hospice adds a care team for extra support.
Where Care Happens
At home (most common)
Assisted living or nursing homes
Inpatient hospice units for short-term symptom management or caregiver respite
Support for Families and Caregivers
Education and coaching on how to provide care safely
Help with navigating benefits and resources
Emotional and spiritual support, including grief counseling after a death
Get Help Now
Speak with a hospice care specialist 24/7
No-obligation consultation and eligibility check
We respect your choices and timing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start hospice and still receive treatments?
Yes, you can receive treatments that provide comfort and symptom relief. You would not receive treatments intended to cure your terminal illness, but you can continue care for other conditions.
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare generally covers hospice services related to your terminal illness, including visits, medications, equipment, and supplies. There may be small copays for some medications or inpatient respite. Check your plan details.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You can stop hospice at any time and return later if your needs change.
Do I have to be at home?
No. Hospice supports you where you live and can provide inpatient care when symptoms are hard to manage.
How quickly can care start?
After eligibility is confirmed, care often begins within 24–48 hours, depending on your needs and location.
Is hospice only for the last days?
No. Many people receive hospice care for months. Starting earlier often leads to better comfort and family support.
