Assessment of pain and changing symptoms
Comfort-Focused Care
Pain and Symptom Management for Hospice Patients
Pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, and other symptoms can change quickly during serious illness. Hospice gives families a care team and a plan.
Care shaped around the individual planGuidance for patients and familiesSupport wherever the patient calls home
What this support can include
Services vary by the patient’s individualized plan of care.
Medication coordination related to the terminal diagnosis
Guidance for families when symptoms increase
Care-plan updates as the patient’s condition changes
Support focused on comfort, dignity, and calm decision-making
Who this may help
How this service supports patients and families
For patients experiencing changing pain or other difficult symptoms and caregivers who need a clear comfort plan and clinical guidance.
Questions your family may be asking
- What should we do if pain gets worse?
- How do we know which symptoms are expected?
- When should we call the hospice team instead of 911?
Questions families often ask
What should we do if pain gets worse?
Call the hospice team when pain worsens. A nurse can assess what changed and guide care within the patient’s individualized plan.
How do we know which symptoms are expected?
The care team explains which changes may be expected and which should prompt a call, based on the patient’s condition and care plan.
When should we call the hospice team instead of 911?
Ask the hospice team to explain the after-hours plan before a crisis. For an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Related hospice guidance
Ask Caritas about this service
Call 214-506-8422 or start a referral. A conversation can help you understand whether hospice support is appropriate.
Call 214-506-8422Start ReferralBack to services