Hospice care is specialized medical care for individuals with a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice supports both the patient and their family—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Hospice is appropriate when a physician determines that a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its natural course. Patients may receive hospice earlier to benefit longer from support and comfort care.

No. Choosing hospice means choosing comfort, dignity, and support. Patients continue to receive medical care focused on pain control, symptom management, and emotional well-being.

Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home, including private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and group homes.

Hospice services include physician and nursing care, pain and symptom management, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment and supplies, social work, spiritual care, home health aide services, and bereavement support.

The hospice team includes a Medical Director, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and trained volunteers.

Visits are based on the patient’s needs and care plan. Hospice staff are available 24/7 for emergencies or urgent concerns.

Yes. Medicare Hospice Benefit covers hospice care at 100% for eligible patients, including services, medications, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness.

Yes. Patients may keep their primary physician involved while also receiving care from the hospice team.

Yes. Hospice care is a choice and may be revoked at any time.