Compare Care Options

Hospice Care

Best for: Individuals with a life-limiting illness who want comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment, and families who want experienced guidance, support, and peace of mind at home.

Hospice care is designed to maximize comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the whole person: physically, emotionally, and spiritually, while also caring for the family. Hospice is typically provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, assisted living, or a nursing facility.

Hospice does not mean “doing nothing.” It means shifting the plan of care toward comfort, relief, and meaningful time together, with a dedicated team supporting you every step of the way.

What Hospice Provides

• Pain and symptom management
  Skilled nursing support to relieve pain, breathing difficulty, anxiety, nausea, agitation, and other symptoms that impact comfort.
• A personalized plan of care that adapts as needs change
  Care plans are built around the patient’s goals and updated as the situation evolves, so support stays aligned with comfort and dignity.
• Regular visits from nurses and hospice aides
  Nurses monitor symptoms, coordinate care, and adjust comfort measures. Hospice aides assist with personal care needs such as bathing, grooming, and daily comfort.
• Emotional and spiritual support
  Social workers and spiritual care providers offer guidance, coping support, and compassionate presence for both the patient and family, respecting personal beliefs and preferences.
• Medications, equipment, and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis
  Hospice coordinates what’s needed for comfort, such as medications and medical equipment, helping reduce stress and delays.
• 24/7 access to a nurse for questions or urgent needs
  When something changes or you are unsure what to do, help is available day or night., so families are not left guessing or facing crises alone.
• Ongoing support for families, including bereavement care
  Hospice continues to support loved ones after a loss with grief resources and follow-up care.

Coverage and Cost

Hospice care is typically 100% covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and is also covered by most private insurance plans. Our team can explain coverage clearly and help coordinate the details so you can focus on your loved one, not paperwork.

If you are unsure whether hospice is the right fit, a conversation can bring clarity. Many families find that learning about hospice early helps them make calmer decisions and access support sooner.

Palliative Care

Best for: Individuals with a serious illness who need symptom relief and added support, often while continuing other medical treatments.

Palliative care is focused on improving quality of life by reducing symptoms and stress related to serious illness. It can help manage concerns such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep issues, and it is appropriate at any stage of illness. Unlike hospice, palliative care may be provided alongside curative or aggressive treatment.

What palliative care focuses on:

• Symptom relief and comfort to help patients feel better day to day
• Support for complex medical decisions, including understanding options and next steps
• Care aligned to patient goals and values, so the plan fits what matters most
• Coordination among providers to reduce confusion and improve continuity of care

If you want to be sure between hospice or palliative care as the right fit, our team can help clarify the differences based on your loved one’s condition, goals, and current level of support needed.

Choosing the Right Option

The right care option depends on what your loved one needs today, and what matters most to your family. Many people benefit from different levels of care over time, especially as symptoms change or support needs increase.

The best fit is often based on:

• Overall Condition
  Your loved one’s condition and overall decline, including how quickly things are changing
• Goals
  Whether the goal is comfort, symptom relief, or continued curative treatment
• Support Needed
  How much support is needed at home, both medically and day to day
• Management
  What your family can realistically manage, including caregiver availability, stress level, and safety concerns
• Care Setting
  Where your loved one wants to receive care, such as at home, assisted living, or another setting

It is common to feel uncertain. Most families do not feel fully sure at first. A short conversation can help clarify options, explain what each service provides, and identify the next best step, without pressure.