• By Dana Sparks

Hospice care: Comforting the terminally ill

November 7, 2019

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and this year's theme is "It’s About How You Live."

Hospice care: Comforting the terminally ill


If you or a relative has a terminal illness and you've exhausted all treatment options, you might consider hospice care. Find out how hospice care works and how it can provide comfort and support.

What is hospice care?



Who can benefit from hospice care?

Hospice care is for a terminally ill person who's expected to have six months or less to live. But hospice care can be provided for as long as the person's doctor and hospice care team certify that the condition remains life-limiting.


Enrolling in hospice care early helps you live better and live longer. Hospice care decreases the burden on family, decreases the family's likelihood of having a complicated grief and prepares family members for their loved one's death. Hospice also allows a patient to be cared for at a facility for a period of time, not because the patient needs it, but because the family caregiver needs a break. This is known as respite care.

Where is hospice care provided?


No matter where hospice care is provided, sometimes it's necessary to be admitted to a hospital. For instance, if a symptom can't be managed by the hospice care team in a home setting, a hospital stay might be needed.

Who's involved in hospice care?

If you're not receiving hospice care at a dedicated facility, hospice staff will make regular visits to your home or other setting. Hospice staff is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A hospice care team typically includes:

  • Doctors. A primary care doctor and a hospice doctor or medical director will oversee care. Each patient gets to choose a primary doctor. This can be your prior doctor or a hospice doctor.
  • Nurses. Nurses will come to your or your relative's home or other setting to provide care. They are also responsible for coordination of the hospice care team.
  • Volunteers. Trained volunteers offer a variety of services, including providing company or respite for caregivers and helping with transportation or other practical needs.

How is hospice care financed?

Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs and private insurance typically pay for hospice care. While each hospice program has its own policy regarding payment for care, services are often offered based on need rather than the ability to pay. Ask about payment options before choosing a hospice program.

How do I select a hospice program?


To evaluate a hospice program, consider asking:

  • Is residential hospice available?
  • How are hospice care services provided after hours?
  • Are volunteer services available?



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