If you are caring for a loved one — or if it’s time for you or someone close to you to consider hospice care — it may feel unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming. It’s natural to have concerns about what hospice truly means and what to expect. Asking thoughtful questions about hospice care can help bring clarity during a time when so much feels uncertain.
We’ve put together some questions meant to gently guide conversations with your hospice provider or primary care physician, helping you feel more informed and supported every step of the way.
As you begin this journey, a helpful first step is understanding hospice criteria and how care is designed to prioritize comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
How long do hospice services last?
Hospice services are not limited to a specific number of days; instead, they are based on a patient’s ongoing eligibility. Care is structured into “benefit periods” — initially two 90-day periods, followed by unlimited 60-day periods. Care continues as long as a physician recertifies that the individual still meets the clinical requirements. This recertification process ensures that care remains tailored to the patient’s needs for as long as they are eligible, providing peace of mind and continuous support.
If you are wondering about the specifics of the “six-month rule” or what signs a doctor looks for during an evaluation, you can learn more about life expectancy requirements and who qualifies for hospice care in our detailed guide.
How will hospice help me with the practical needs of my loved one, like bathing or changing bed linens?
Hospice aides provide much-needed relief by assisting with the patient’s daily personal needs, referred to as “activities of daily living.” Trained hospice aides will come to where the patient is living to help manage the “heavy lifting” of individual care. These aides visit on a set schedule to assist with bathing, hair and skin care, and dressing. They can even handle small but vital tasks like refreshing the bed linens.
By providing professional assistance for these tasks, the hospice team ensures that your loved one maintains their dignity while allowing the primary caregiver to step back from serving as a nurse’s assistant. This shift lets you focus your energy on being a spouse, child, or friend during this precious time.
Does hospice shorten someone’s life?
Hospice care does not shorten life or hasten death. One of the most common myths about hospice is that choosing comfort-focused care means “giving up” or that death will come sooner. In reality, by focusing on expert pain relief, symptom management, and emotional support, many patients find they feel better supported and more at peace.
Does hospice provide caregivers in the home?
No. Hospice does not provide 24/7 bedside caregivers, but it does provide a dedicated care team to support the family caregivers. It is important to understand the difference between home health care and hospice care. While home health is typically short-term and focused on recovery, hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life, helping families manage daily care without having to navigate it alone.
Who will take care of my loved one? Will they still see their doctor or nurse?
Hospice patients and their families are supported by an interdisciplinary team that includes nurses, aides, social workers, and bereavement coordinators. In most cases, patients will also continue to see their primary care physician, who works alongside the hospice team.
Because every journey is different, hospice services are delivered through four distinct levels of care, allowing support to adjust as needs change. One example is Respite Care, which provides a short-term, five-day stay in a facility to give caregivers a chance to rest and recharge. This flexible approach ensures care can adapt over time while honoring the preferences of both the patient and their family.
Can patients still eat, walk, or do the things they enjoy?
Hospice care is centered on honoring what matters most to patients and their families.. If a patient feels well enough to eat, walk, or participate in activities they enjoy, their care plan will support these choices rather than restrict them. Living well is a hallmark of how hospice and palliative care differ from curative treatments, and both prioritize quality of life and symptom management over aggressive medical interventions.
Can my loved one stay at home instead of going to a facility?
Yes. In most cases, hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home — a private residence, an assisted living or memory care community, or a nursing facility. Remaining at home allows many people to feel more comfortable and surrounded by family. For those choosing this path, understanding how hospice care works at home is essential to learning about the professional support and visits to expect as needs change.
What equipment or supplies will we need, and who will provide them?
Hospice typically arranges and provides all medical equipment and supplies related to comfort and symptom management, such as hospital beds, walkers or wheelchairs, oxygen, and incontinence supplies. These items are almost always 100% covered by the hospice benefit, meaning there is typically no out-of-pocket cost for the family.
The hospice team manages all ordering and transport, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of acquiring and moving large equipment. However, not all providers have the same response time. When researching how to select a hospice provider, it is vital to ask about their specific delivery timelines — especially how quickly they can get new supplies to your door if an emergency arises in the middle of the night or over a weekend.
Will they still see their doctor or get medications?
Maintaining a relationship with a trusted doctor is often very important for a patient’s peace of mind. In most cases, patients continue to see their own physicians while hospice handles the coordination of daily medications. The hospice team reviews each prescription with the patient and doctor to determine which medications support comfort and quality of life and which may be unnecessary or burdensome. Hospice staff then manages the delivery and adjustment of medications. To get a better feel for this process, you might want to make a list of all the questions you have, so you are prepared when talking to a hospice team and your loved one’s doctor.
How often will someone come to the house?
The frequency of hospice visits depends on the patient’s individual needs and the care plan. Routine visits may include nurse check-ins, hospice aide support, and visits from social workers or bereavement coordinators, as needed. Families can also ask the hospice team about levels of care, which outline how visit frequency changes when needs increase, such as during symptom crises or short-term intensive care periods.
What if something happens in the middle of the night?
One of the biggest fears for caregivers is being alone during a crisis at 2:00 a.m. In those moments, it is important to remember that you are never truly alone. Hospice provides 24/7 on-call support, giving you immediate access to a clinical professional. Whether you need help with a quick medication adjustment or need a nurse to come to your door, help is available around the clock. You can learn more about how this support works here.
Can patients still travel if they feel well enough?
Yes. If the patient’s symptoms are well-managed and the hospice team approves, many patients can still travel short distances. Planning is essential: families should communicate with the hospice nurse regarding medications, supplies, and emergency contact arrangements while away. This flexibility highlights one way hospice doesn’t take a vacation, even if the patient can.
Heart to Heart Hospice is Here to Help
Choosing hospice care for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Asking thoughtful questions — like the ones outlined here — can provide clarity, reassurance, and a sense of control during a time that often feels uncertain. Every hospice journey is unique, and the answers you receive from your care team can help ensure that comfort, dignity, and quality of life remain at the center of care.
Remember, these questions are meant to guide conversations with your hospice provider and primary care physician, helping you feel confident and supported. When families take the time to ask, listen, and understand, hospice can become a source of comfort, relief, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a compassionate hospice professional, please contact Heart to Heart Hospice. Our team is here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.
