What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Hospice focuses on comfort and support near the end of life, while palliative care can help manage symptoms during serious illness alongside other treatments.
What should I look for in a hospice provider?
Ask whether care is available at home, how to reach a nurse after hours, which clinicians are included, and whether the provider has programs for needs such as dementia, heart failure, veterans, or bereavement.
Is hospice help available in an urgent situation?
Amedisys lists 24/7 on-call hospice support, and Gentiva lists 24/7 phone, messaging, and nurse contact options. Call the hospice directly for immediate guidance; call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Does hospice include support for family members after a death?
Amedisys lists bereavement guidance for up to one year, including virtual and in-person support groups. Ask each provider what counseling and follow-up support it offers.