What is Hospice?

Preparing for imminent death

Making plans for the end of a loved one’s life can feel uncomfortable, especially in the wake of a terminal diagnosis. But some practical planning is beneficial, and “putting one’s affairs in order” can be reassuring to the patient and their family. Practical matters End-of-life planning is most effective when the patient is engaged in…

When death happens at home

When a patient receiving hospice care dies at home, family and caregivers should not call 911 or emergency services.  If you believe your loved one has died, call your hospice provider at the 24-hour call center number. A team member will come to confirm the death and assist with final arrangements. Final arrangements The hospice…

Volunteering for hospice

Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team, filling roles that range from direct contact with patients to providing clerical and fundraising support for the organization. Hospices that participate with Medicare are required to use volunteers alongside their paid clinical and administrative staff.

How to file a hospice complaint

Options are available for patients and families who are dissatisfied with the quality of their hospice care. Please note that HFA does not have the authority to monitor or regulate hospice providers and is unable to assist with individual hospice care complaints.

The Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care

Palliative care defined In broad terms, palliative care is any treatment or intervention intended to control pain or other distressing symptoms. In the context of hospice, palliative care focuses on quality of life rather than curing disease. All hospice care is palliative in that the focus is on controlling distressing symptoms, but not all palliative…