Starting Hospice Care

When to Consider Hospice Care

Hospice care is often considered when a loved one is experiencing increasing symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, or a desire to focus on comfort rather than cure.

You do not need to be certain before reaching out. If you are asking questions, it may already be the right time to talk.

Common reasons families call include:

• Pain or symptoms that are difficult to manage
• Declining strength or mobility
• Repeated emergency room visits or hospital stays
• A wish to remain at home and avoid aggressive treatment

How to Start Hospice Care

Starting hospice care begins with a simple conversation.

1. Call or receive a referral. Families, physicians, hospitals, and care facilities can refer to hospice. You may call us directly at any time.
2. Have a supportive conversation. We listen to your concerns, answer questions, and explain hospice care in clear, simple language. There is no pressure to decide.
3. Confirm eligibility and timing. Hospice eligibility is determined by a physician based on medical guidelines. We help coordinate this step.
4. Begin care quickly. Once hospice care is appropriate, admission often occurs the same day or within 24 hours.

What Is Needed to Begin Hospice Care

To start hospice care, a physician must certify that hospice is appropriate based on the patient’s condition. Our team helps coordinate all required documentation and communication.

We work closely with:

• Your loved one’s attending physician
• Hospitals or care facilities, if involved
• Case managers or discharge planners

What Happens During the First Visit

Once hospice care begins, a member of our team will meet with you and your loved one to complete the admission process.

During the first visit, we:

• Review medical history and current symptoms
• Explain hospice services and what support looks like
• Discuss medications, equipment, and comfort needs
• Answer questions and address immediate concerns

At Foundations Hospice, leadership is involved from the start, including the owner meeting with every family to ensure care begins with trust and understanding.

Creating a Personalized Plan of Care

Hospice care is never one-size-fits-all.

After admission, our interdisciplinary team creates a personalized care plan based on your loved one’s needs, goals, and preferences. This plan may include nursing care, aide support, social work, spiritual care, homemaker services, and volunteer support.

The plan is reviewed and adjusted regularly as needs change.

Can Hospice Care Be Started at Home?

Yes. Hospice care is most often provided wherever patients feel most comfortable.

Care may be provided in:

• Private homes
• Assisted living communities
• Nursing facilities
• Other appropriate care settings
• Our goal is to support comfort and dignity in the place your loved one calls home.

If You are Unsure About Timing

Many families worry about starting hospice “too early” or “too late.”

Hospice care can be started when the focus shifts to comfort and quality of life. A conversation does not obligate you to begin care. We are here to help you understand options and timing so you can make an informed decision.

Why Start Hospice Care With Foundations Hospice

Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision. Families often tell us they are not just looking for services, but for people they can trust during a deeply personal time.

Foundations Hospice is locally owned and guided by faith, compassion, and a commitment to showing up for families in meaningful ways. From the very first conversation, our focus is on listening, understanding your needs, and supporting you with clarity and respect.

• Locally owned and operated in Southeast Louisiana, with care decisions made close to home
• Direct owner involvement, including meeting every family when hospice care begins
• A high-touch, “whatever it takes” culture, where team members go beyond tasks to truly support families
• Experienced hospice professionals, with decades of combined healthcare and hospice experience
• Strong homemaker and volunteer support, helping ease caregiver stress and provide added comfort
• 24/7 availability, so you always know who to call when something changes

Families choose Foundations Hospice because care feels personal, responsive, and grounded in dignity. Our role is not to rush you, but to walk beside you with steady guidance through each step of the hospice journey.