What to expect from hospice: a guide for families facing end-of-life care
What you need to know…
When someone you love is nearing the end of life, it can be hard to know what support is available—or when to ask for it. Hospice care is designed to ease this time for everyone involved, focusing on comfort, dignity, and connection. This guide breaks down what hospice really is, what it includes, how to pay for it, and how to find care you can trust.
What hospice actually is
A care philosophy, not a location. It can happen at home, in a facility, or wherever works best for an individual’s needs.
Intended for people with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the illness runs its expected course.
It’s centered on comfort—not prolonging or shortening life, but making the time left as meaningful and manageable as possible.
What it often includes
The exact services you receive can depend on your insurance coverage—Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans may offer slightly different benefits. But here’s what hospice usually includes:
A full care team: You’re assigned a full care team—typically a registered nurse, home health aide, social worker, chaplain or spiritual support person, and sometimes a volunteer or bereavement counselor.
Medication and equipment coverage: Things like hospital beds, oxygen, wound care supplies, and medications related to the terminal illness are usually covered fully under Medicare. With private insurance, check what's included and if there are any co-pays.
Intermittent care, not 24/7: Hospice staff don’t move in. Nurses typically visit a few times a week, home health aides may come several days for help with bathing or basic care, and social workers or chaplains check in as needed. You’ll still be the primary caregiver day-to-day—but you’ll have a team checking in, tracking changes, and available 24/7 by phone if things shift fast. Some hospice programs offer short-term, intensive in-home care during a crisis (called continuous care).
Respite care options: If you’re the primary caregiver, you may be eligible for short-term relief. In this case, the person receiving hospice care can stay in a facility for up to five days, giving you a break. This is covered under Medicare, though availability and terms vary by provider and plan.
What it costs
Hospice is a part of our healthcare system that’s surprisingly well-covered—but the details depend on your insurance.
Medicare covers nearly all hospice costs if you meet eligibility (a doctor certifies a life expectancy of six months or less and you choose comfort-focused care). This includes the full care team, medications related to the terminal illness, equipment, and in-home visits. Learn more here.
Medicaid coverage varies by state but is often similar to Medicare. Learn more here.
Private insurance plans usually cover hospice, but benefits can vary—some may require co-pays or have limitations on respite care or certain medications.
You may still have out-of-pocket costs, especially for things not directly related to the hospice diagnosis (e.g., unrelated prescriptions, private caregiving help).
Bereavement support for family is often included, at no extra charge, for a period of time after the patient’s death.
If you're unsure what’s covered, hospice agencies will walk you through your specific plan. Financial support shouldn't be a barrier—they're used to working with all kinds of situations.
What it’s not
Not the same as palliative care, which focuses on relief from symptoms and stress at any stage of a serious illness—and can begin alongside curative treatment, not just at the end of life.
Not about hastening death—hospice does not speed up dying.
When to call
Earlier is better. Many families wish they’d called weeks or months sooner.
Early hospice can prevent ER visits, reduce suffering, and improve family coping.
You don’t need to “be sure.” You can ask for an evaluation at any time.
You can leave hospice if things improve, or change your mind about treatment. You’re not locked in.
How to find a hospice provider
Choosing a hospice provider is an important step—and you have options. Here’s how to begin:
Ask your doctor or hospital discharge planner (you’ll be assigned one if you’re in the hospital): They can refer you to trusted local providers they’ve worked with before.
Use Medicare’s Hospice Compare tool: Medicare offers a searchable database of certified hospice agencies, with quality ratings and patient feedback. Explore the tool here.
Search by location and services: Some hospices specialize in certain illnesses, languages, or cultural practices. Ask what kinds of support they offer (e.g., veterans' care, pediatric hospice, dementia-specific services).
Call and ask questions: Good hospice agencies will walk you through what they offer, how they coordinate care, and what’s covered by your insurance. Don’t hesitate to interview more than one. You’re allowed to choose what feels right.
Check for nonprofit vs. for-profit: Both can provide excellent care, but nonprofits may offer more comprehensive bereavement services or sliding scale support.
Ask about 24/7 availability and crisis support: Make sure the agency provides access to help at any hour, not just scheduled visits.
You deserve a provider who listens, explains things clearly, and makes you feel supported. Trust your instincts—it’s okay to ask, compare, and choose what gives you peace of mind.
Hospice can feel like a big step, but it’s often one of the most practical and supportive choices available at the end of life. It helps reduce unnecessary interventions, keeps people comfortable, and gives families a framework for what’s ahead.
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to learn about your options. Hospice is there to make a hard time a little more manageable—for everyone involved.
If you're considering it, start by asking questions. Good hospice care will meet you where you are.
Looking for support for end-of-life planning and after-death logistics? We’ve got you covered.
After Death Toolkit
If you’ve recently lost someone, our After Death Toolkit guides you through what happens next—step by step. From requesting death certificates and closing accounts to settling the estate, this toolkit helps you handle the practical tasks during an emotional time.
Advance Planning Course
If you're planning ahead, our Advance Planning Course walks you through what to prepare and document now—so conversations with hospice teams, funeral homes, and loved ones are clearer and less stressful later.
