Finding Hospice Providers

Hospice care can transform the end-of-life experience for both patients and families. Understanding how it works helps you find the right provider at the right time.

What hospice provides

Hospice is specialized care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with a terminal illness, rather than curative treatment. A hospice team typically includes nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, and supports the family as well as the patient. Care often takes place at home, but can also be provided in facilities.

When to consider hospice

Hospice is generally for people whose life expectancy is measured in months rather than years, and who have chosen comfort-focused care. Many families later say they wish they'd started hospice sooner, because of the support and relief it brought.

How to find a provider

• Ask the patient's doctors or hospital discharge planners for referrals
• Check whether providers are Medicare-certified and accredited
• Ask about the range of services, including emotional and spiritual support
• Consider availability, how quickly they respond, and after-hours support

Questions to ask a hospice provider

• What services are included, and where is care provided?
• How do you manage pain and symptoms?
• What support do you offer the family, during and after?
• How quickly can care begin?

Making the most of the time

Hospice often frees families from caregiving strain enough to focus on connection, gathering memories, recording messages, and simply being present. Many use this time to create a tribute the person can enjoy now and the family can keep.