When someone you love is nearing the final stages of a serious illness, knowing your options can help you support them with care and dignity. Hospice care provides comfort-focused support tailored to the unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. There are several types of hospice care to suit different situations.
This guide outlines the different types of hospice care and explains how to find local providers through Age Well Now.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is for individuals facing a terminal illness who have decided to stop curative treatment. The goal is to improve quality of life, not extend it. Services are designed to manage pain and symptoms while supporting the patient and their loved ones.
It can be provided at home, in a nursing facility, a hospital, or a dedicated hospice center.
The Four Main Types of Hospice Care
Hospice care is generally categorized into four levels, as outlined by Medicare. These levels allow care to adjust to the patient’s evolving needs.
1. Routine Home Care
This is the most common type. Care is provided at home or in a residential setting, such as an assisted living facility. A hospice team visits regularly, but the family provides most of the hands-on care.
Services may include:
- Medication for symptom control
- Assistance with bathing and hygiene
- Medical equipment delivery
- Spiritual and emotional support
- Access to 24/7 nursing advice
Routine care allows the patient to remain in familiar surroundings, which many find comforting.
2. Continuous Home Care
When symptoms become unmanageable, more intensive care at home may be needed. During continuous care, a hospice nurse stays at the patient’s side for extended hours to provide direct support.
Common reasons for continuous care:
- Pain that does not respond to usual treatment
- Severe shortness of breath
- Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting
This level is usually short-term until symptoms are stabilized.
3. General Inpatient Care
Sometimes, symptoms require care in a facility with round-the-clock medical staff. General inpatient care is temporary and offered in hospitals, hospice centers, or skilled nursing facilities.
This care is useful for:
- Advanced symptom control
- Monitoring by trained medical professionals
- Access to specialized equipment
Once the patient is stabilized, they may return to routine or home care.
4. Respite Care
Hospice understands that caregivers need rest. Respite care offers a short-term stay (up to five days) in a hospice facility so family caregivers can take time to recharge.
Good for caregivers who need:
- Relief from burnout
- Time to attend to personal needs
- A short break during an emergency
Medicare covers respite stays, making it easier for families to manage the demands of caregiving.
What Services Are Included in Hospice Care?
Regardless of the level, most hospice programs offer a standard set of services. These services are designed to support comfort, manage symptoms, and assist the entire family.
Pain and Symptom Management
Managing discomfort is a core part of hospice. This may include medication, oxygen, positioning, or other comfort measures.
Personal Care Support
Certified nursing assistants can help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Emotional and Spiritual Care
Patients and families often experience a wide range of emotions. Social workers, chaplains, and counselors are available to talk, offer guidance, and provide spiritual care if requested.
Bereavement Counseling
Grief doesn’t end at the time of death. Hospice offers bereavement services to families for up to 13 months after a loss.
Volunteer Services
Hospice volunteers offer companionship, practical help, or short periods of relief for caregivers. Many have personal experience with hospice and want to give back.
Who Makes Up the Hospice Team?
Hospice care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include:
- Registered nurses
- Physicians
- Home health aides
- Social workers
- Chaplains
- Volunteers
Each team member plays a role in supporting both the patient and their loved ones.
How to Talk About Hospice Care with a Loved One
Starting the conversation about hospice care can be sensitive. It’s often helpful to approach it with compassion and a focus on the person’s comfort. Consider:
- Asking how they feel about their current care
- Talking about what matters most to them
- Mentioning hospice as a way to stay comfortable and supported
Family meetings or speaking with a care advisor can also help make the discussion easier.
How Age Well Now Helps You
Making decisions about end-of-life care is deeply personal. Age Well Now is here to help you compare providers, understand service levels, and find local care that fits your needs.
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Our advisors provide personalized support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for hospice care?
A: A person must have a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, certified by a physician.
Q: Can hospice care happen in a senior living facility?
A: Yes. Many hospice teams work with assisted living and nursing home providers to deliver care in place.
Q: Will insurance cover hospice care?
A: Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurers cover hospice services. Coverage often includes medications, equipment, and supplies.
Q: How quickly can services start?
A: Hospice care can typically begin within a day or two of a referral, sometimes sooner in urgent situations.
Q: Can someone leave hospice care?
A: Yes. If the condition improves or the patient chooses to pursue curative treatment, they can leave and return to hospice later if needed.
External Resources for Additional Information
Accurate information can bring clarity and peace of mind. Trusted sources offer helpful insights and tools: