Common questions about hospice care

Hospice is comfort-focused care for a person with a life-limiting illness. It supports symptom management, dignity, quality of life, and the people caring for the patient.

No. Hospice changes the goal from cure-directed treatment to comfort and quality of life. Patients and families continue to receive clinical guidance and practical support.

Both focus on comfort. Palliative care may accompany treatment at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice has specific eligibility requirements and focuses on comfort rather than cure-directed treatment.

Hospice can often be provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, assisted living community, memory care community, or nursing facility.

It may be time to ask when an illness is progressing, symptoms are harder to manage, hospital visits are increasing, or the patient wants care centered on comfort. Calling does not obligate you to begin care.

Hospice eligibility is based on clinical information and physician certification. The Caritas team can review the situation, explain what information is needed, and coordinate next steps.

A patient, family member, physician, discharge planner, facility team member, or caregiver can contact Caritas Hospice to start the conversation.

Call 214-506-8422. We will explain what is needed and confirm a secure process before patient information or medical records are sent. Do not send protected health information through ordinary email.

Services may include skilled nursing, pain and symptom management, hospice aide support, social work, chaplain care, volunteer and bereavement support, and related medications, supplies, and equipment.

The interdisciplinary team may include a medical director, nurses, hospice aides, a social worker, chaplain, volunteers, therapists when appropriate, and a bereavement coordinator.

Yes. Families receive education, emotional and spiritual support when desired, help understanding changes, and guidance about the care plan.

The hospice plan may include medications, durable medical equipment, oxygen, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis. The team explains what is included for the individual plan.

Yes. Hospice supports the people caring for the patient with education, listening, practical guidance, and help preparing for changes in the care journey.

No. Spiritual support is optional and follows the patient’s beliefs, values, and wishes. Families may ask for chaplain support or decline it.

Bereavement support may include follow-up, grief guidance, and connections to helpful resources. The care team can explain what support is available for the family.

Eligible patients may receive hospice through the Medicare hospice benefit. Coverage depends on eligibility and the plan of care, so ask the team to review the patient’s situation and benefits.

Coverage varies by program and health plan. Caritas can help identify the patient’s coverage and explain the next verification step before care begins.

Hospice generally does not replace the usual room-and-board or facility charges. The team can clarify which services belong to hospice and which remain the patient’s or facility’s responsibility.

Yes. Ask what the benefit covers, what is related to the terminal diagnosis, and whether any costs remain. A conversation can provide clarity before you make a decision.

Tell us what has changed and what concerns you. We can discuss eligibility, the referral process, and a practical next step without requiring you to have every answer ready.

It helps to know the diagnosis, recent changes, current care setting, physician information, and the family’s main concerns. Call first before sending medical records.

A patient may choose a different hospice provider. Call to discuss the current situation and the steps needed to coordinate a safe transition.

Before care begins, ask which number to call, who answers, and how changes in symptoms are handled. The care team should make the communication plan clear.