What is Hospice Care?
Understand hospice care philosophy, eligibility, and how we help patients live their final days with dignity, comfort, and surrounded by love.
The Hospice Care Philosophy
Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care focused on providing comfort and support to patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Rather than attempting to cure the disease, hospice care prioritizes quality of life, dignity, and comfort during a patient's final months, weeks, or days.
Hospice is not about giving up—it's about living fully in the time that remains. Our philosophy recognizes that death is a natural part of life, and we are committed to helping patients and families navigate this journey with compassion, respect, and comprehensive support for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Comfort-Focused Care
We prioritize pain and symptom management to ensure patients remain as comfortable as possible throughout their journey.
Dignity & Respect
Every patient deserves to live their final days with dignity, maintaining autonomy and control over their care decisions.
Family-Centered Support
Hospice care extends to the entire family, providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support for loved ones.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
Hospice care is appropriate when a physician determines that a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its natural course. Patients may qualify for hospice care with various diagnoses, and eligibility is based on medical criteria rather than specific diseases.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- •A physician certifies that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course
- •The patient and family choose comfort care over curative treatment
- •The patient's condition shows progressive decline despite optimal treatment
- •The focus of care shifts from curing the disease to managing symptoms and improving quality of life
Common Qualifying Conditions
- • Advanced cancer (all types)
- • End-stage heart disease
- • Advanced lung disease (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
- • End-stage kidney disease
- • Advanced liver disease
- • Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's
- • ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- • Parkinson's disease
- • Stroke with complications
- • Other life-limiting conditions
How We Help Patients Live with Dignity & Comfort
Our comprehensive hospice program addresses every aspect of end-of-life care, ensuring that patients can spend their remaining time focused on what matters most—connecting with loved ones, finding peace, and living each day as fully as possible.
Expert Pain & Symptom Control
Our medical team specializes in managing pain, nausea, breathlessness, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms. We use the latest evidence-based approaches to ensure patients remain comfortable and alert enough to engage with loved ones and enjoy meaningful activities.
Emotional & Spiritual Support
Facing the end of life brings up profound questions and emotions. Our counselors, social workers, and chaplains provide compassionate support, helping patients and families process grief, find meaning, address unfinished business, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Maintaining Quality of Life
Hospice care focuses on helping patients continue doing the things they love for as long as possible. Whether it's spending time with family, enjoying favorite foods, listening to music, or simply being present in the moment, we support patients in living fully until the end.
Honoring Patient Wishes
We help patients document their wishes through advance directives and ensure those wishes are honored. Our team advocates for patient autonomy and works to ensure care aligns with personal values, cultural traditions, and spiritual beliefs.
Common Questions About Hospice
Does choosing hospice mean giving up hope?
No. Hospice care redefines hope—shifting from hope for a cure to hope for comfort, meaningful time with loved ones, and a peaceful death. Many families find that hospice care allows them to focus on what truly matters and creates opportunities for healing relationships and finding closure.
Can patients leave hospice if they improve?
Yes. Patients can choose to leave hospice care at any time if their condition improves or if they decide to pursue curative treatment. They can also return to hospice care later if needed. Hospice is always a choice, and patients maintain control over their care decisions.
How is hospice care paid for?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs to families. This includes all medications related to the hospice diagnosis, medical equipment, nursing care, and support services. Learn more on our Medicare coverage guide.
Where does hospice care take place?
Most hospice care is provided in the patient's home, but we also serve patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. Our goal is to provide care wherever the patient calls home, ensuring comfort and familiarity during this important time.