Compassionate Care When It Matters Most

Hospice and Palliative Care Hub

Navigating hospice and palliative care can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. This Hospice & Palliative Care Hub is here to provide the resources, tools, and connections you need to make informed decisions about care for yourself or a loved one. Whether you’re seeking comfort-focused treatment, caregiver support, or guidance on end-of-life planning, our hub offers compassionate support and trusted expertise to help you through every step of this journey.

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Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people facing serious illness. They provide medical, emotional, and spiritual support for both the individual and their loved ones, often bringing relief at a time when it’s most needed.

  • Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness: It is not limited to end-of-life and can be provided alongside curative treatment. The focus is on managing symptoms, improving comfort, and supporting decision-making.
  • Hospice care is for those nearing the end of life: It is typically available when a physician certifies that a person has six months or less to live and has chosen to stop curative treatments.
  • Both provide holistic support: Services address physical symptoms like pain or shortness of breath, but also emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
  • Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team: Physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers work together to support the individual and family.
  • Hospice can take place in many settings: Most people receive hospice care in their home, but it can also be provided in nursing homes, hospice centers, or hospitals.
  • Services often include equipment, medications, and 24/7 support: Hospice providers usually cover these under Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
  • Choosing hospice is not “giving up”: It is a shift in focus from cure to comfort, and many families find it brings relief, peace, and time to connect in meaningful ways.
  • Early referrals can improve quality of life: People often wish they had started hospice or palliative care sooner. Early access can help manage symptoms more effectively and reduce stress.
  • You can leave hospice at any time: If a person’s condition improves or they decide to pursue curative treatment again, they can choose to stop hospice services.
  • Family caregivers receive support too: Hospice provides education, respite care, and grief support to help loved ones through both the caregiving journey and the bereavement process.

Resources

You shouldn't have to figure out hospice & palliative care on your own. Fortunately, we have resources that can help.

Questions To Ask When Selecting A Hospice Provider

The choice is yours... but here are some questions that can help you choose a provider.
Get The Checklist

Connect With A Hospice or Palliative Care Provider Near You

Connect with a service provider near you.

View the Directory

Guide: Introduction To Hospice & Palliative Care

Want to dive in? This guide has more info than you'll likely need.
Get the Guide

Listen Up!

We've assembled a list of hospice & palliative care podcasts for you.
View The Podcast Directory

A Few Instagram Accounts We Follow

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Understanding Christian End-of-Life Traditions: A Journey of Faith and Hope

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Understanding Hindu End-of-Life Traditions: A Journey of Faith and Spiritual Preparation

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Understanding Jewish End-of-Life Traditions: A Journey of Faith and Compassion

Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice & Palliative Care

Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals with a terminal illness, typically when curative treatment is no longer an option. It addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, helping patients and families make the most of their time together.

While both hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and quality of life, palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Hospice care, on the other hand, is specifically for individuals nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less.

Hospice care is typically recommended for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. However, patients can continue receiving hospice care beyond six months if their condition warrants it.

You can start by consulting your doctor or healthcare team for recommendations. You can also use the Buried in Work Hospice & Palliative Care Directory to find trusted providers in your area.

No, hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including the patient’s home, hospice centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. The goal is to deliver care in the environment where the patient feels most comfortable.

Yes, many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover hospice and palliative care services. It’s important to review your specific policy or speak with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.

Hospice care services often include:

  • Pain and symptom management
  • Emotional and spiritual support
  • Assistance with daily activities
  • Caregiver support and respite care
  • Bereavement services for families after the patient’s passing

Yes, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments. It focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, regardless of the stage of illness or prognosis.

Starting the conversation can be challenging but is essential. Focus on their comfort and goals, and use phrases like:

  • "I want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible."
  • "Let’s talk about what matters most to you right now."
    Consider involving a healthcare professional to guide the discussion.

Caregivers can access a range of support services, including:

  • Respite care to provide temporary relief
  • Counseling and emotional support
  • Educational resources on managing symptoms and providing care
  • Bereavement support after a loved one’s passing

Yes, patients can choose to leave hospice care if their condition stabilizes or improves. They can also re-enroll in hospice care if their condition later qualifies.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a question, suggestion, or idea on how to improve this Information Hub? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.