It’s okay to ask for help
Hospice is not an act of surrender. It's not giving up. It's simply a chance to give your loved one the comfort, dignity, and peace they deserve. We're always here to provide the clarity and answers needed to understand your options, and make the best decisions possible.
It’s okay to ask for help
Hospice is not an act of surrender. It's not giving up. It's simply a chance to give your loved one the comfort, dignity, and peace they deserve. We're always here to provide the clarity and answers needed to understand your options, and make the best decisions possible.
Talk to Our Care TeamFrequently Asked Questions
Hospice care is specialized support for people facing a life-limiting illness, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. It can be provided at home, in dedicated centers, hospitals, nursing homes, or other long-term care settings. Care is individualized to the patient’s wishes and includes family involvement.
No. Hospice is available for those with a prognosis of six months or less. Starting hospice early allows patients and families to receive pain management, comfort care, and full support for a longer period – not just the last days or hours.
Yes. Patients can leave hospice care if their condition improves and can return if they later qualify again.
Most people qualify for hospice when they have a terminal illness and a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. All hospices consider the patient and family as the primary unit of care.
Hospice care includes:
- Managing pain and symptoms through medical, emotional, and spiritual support
- Providing hospice medications, medical supplies, and equipment
- Teaching families how to care for their loved ones
- Arranging therapy and respite services
- Offering bereavement counseling for families after death.
The interdisciplinary hospice team typically includes:
- A hospice physician
- Nurses and home health aides
- Social workers and spiritual care providers
- Counselors, therapists, and trained volunteers.
No, hospice does not withhold food or water. Care is tailored to each patient’s needs and wishes, and support is provided for comfort and nutrition as appropriate.
The hospice team does not stay in the home full-time but is available by phone 24/7. Nurses and other staff make scheduled visits and can come more often during crises. Inpatient options are also available when necessary.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover the full cost of hospice care, including medical team visits, medications, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis.
Yes. Hospice services are available in nursing homes.
No. While all hospice providers must offer core service and care, Serenity First offers massage therapy, and other premium experiences. Our rapid response times, lower nurse-to-patient ratios, and consistent staffing also set us apart. Remember, hospice patients have the right to choose any area provider they prefer.
Downloadable Guides
Every patient and family receives the complete circle of care – physical, emotional, and spiritual. From medical oversight and daily comfort to counseling, therapies, and companionship, our team works together to ensure no need goes unmet and no one walks this journey alone.
Admission Criteria
A clinical reference outlining hospice eligibility criteria by diagnosis and performance level, including the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) to guide appropriate admissions and levels of care
A Guide to Caregiving at Home
A practical overview for families and caregivers providing hospice care at home, with tips on daily routines, symptom management, and creating a safe, peaceful environment
A Caregivers Guide to End of Life
A compassionate handbook that helps caregivers understand what to expect in the final stages of life, offering guidance on comfort measures, communication, and emotional support for loved ones.
Common Responses to Loss
A brief resource explaining the emotional and physical reactions to grief, designed to help families recognize and navigate the natural stages of loss following the death of a loved one.
Unsure where to start? We're here 24/7.
For Hospitals
We are here to be an extension of your care plan and seamless continuum of care for your patients.
For Professional Caregivers
Join our compassionate team and make a difference in the lives of patients and families every day.
