Information for families
Hospice Care Resources
Clear, practical guidance to help you understand hospice care, compare providers, and prepare for important conversations.
Resource guides
Learn what hospice care includes and what to expect from a hospice care team.
Read this guideUse a practical checklist to compare providers and ask informed questions.
Read this guidePrepare for the caregiving, communication, and support needs that may arise.
Read this guideGuide 1
Understanding Hospice Care
Hospice care focuses on comfort, quality of life, and support for people living with a serious illness, as well as their families and caregivers.
Care is usually provided by a team that may include nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors, aides, chaplains, and trained volunteers. The exact services and visit schedule depend on the patient’s needs and plan of care.
A good place to start
Ask the patient’s doctor or care team whether hospice may be appropriate, what goals matter most to the patient, and which services would be most helpful at home or in the current care setting.
Guide 2
Choosing a Hospice Provider
Compare available quality information, then speak directly with each provider you are considering.
Questions to ask
- How quickly can care begin, including on nights or weekends?
- How often will each member of the care team visit?
- What support is available by phone and after normal business hours?
- Which medicines, equipment, and supplies are included?
- What caregiver training and respite support are available?
- How will the hospice coordinate with the patient’s doctors and care setting?
Take notes during each conversation. Beyond ratings, consider how clearly the provider communicates, whether its services match the patient’s needs, and how comfortable your family feels with the team.
Guide 3
Supporting Patients and Families
Hospice care supports the patient and the people caring for them. Families should feel comfortable asking for clear instructions, demonstrating care tasks before doing them alone, and calling the hospice when symptoms or circumstances change.
Ask early about emotional and spiritual support, help for children or other family members, caregiver breaks, and bereavement services. Knowing what is available can make it easier to ask for help when it is needed.
Keep important information together.
Save the hospice’s 24-hour phone number, the care plan, medicine instructions, and the names of key care team members in one easy-to-find place.
Ready to compare hospice providers?
Search by city, state, or ZIP code to explore providers serving your area.
Find hospice careThese resources are for general educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about individual care needs.