Patients & Families
What to Expect
Once care begins, our team works with the patient and family to develop a personalized plan focused on comfort and quality of life.
You can expect:
Care is personalized to the patient’s changing needs.
Family caregivers provide most daily care at home.
Hospice team visits are scheduled regularly and increase when needed.
Help is available 24/7 for urgent questions or changes.
Caregivers receive hands-on guidance for comfort, medications, and personal care.
Changes can happen gradually or quickly. Hospice helps families know what to expect.
The care team keeps families informed and involved in decisions.
A hospice physician oversees the care plan and works with the team to support the patient’s comfort and changing needs.
When Is It Time?
Many families wonder whether it is too soon to consider hospice.
Hospice may be appropriate when a serious illness continues to progress despite treatment and the focus begins shifting from curing the illness to providing comfort and quality of life.
Some signs that it may be time to have a hospice conversation include:
Increasing weakness or fatigue
Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits
Increasing pain or difficult-to-manage symptoms
Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
Greater difficulty walking or completing daily activities
Increased dependence on family or caregivers
A desire to remain at home and focus on comfort
Continued decline despite medical treatment
Insurance Information
Questions about insurance should never prevent a family from asking about hospice.
Hospice services may be covered through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, or private health insurance, depending on the patient’s eligibility and coverage.
Our team can help you:
Review available insurance benefits
Explain hospice coverage
Verify eligibility and benefits
Answer questions about potential costs
Coordinate with insurance providers when needed
Common Questions
What is hospice care?
Hospice is specialized care for people living with a life-limiting illness. The focus is on comfort, dignity, symptom management, and quality of life rather than treatment intended to cure the terminal illness.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is often provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, assisted living community, nursing facility, or other appropriate care setting.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice represents a change in the goals of care. Instead of focusing on curative treatment for the terminal illness, the priority becomes comfort, quality of life, and helping patients spend meaningful time with the people they love.
Can family members still be involved in care?
Absolutely. Families are an important part of the hospice team. We provide education, guidance, and support to help caregivers feel more prepared and confident.
What happens if my loved one’s condition changes?
The hospice team continually evaluates the patient’s needs and can adjust the plan of care as the illness progresses.
How do I know if my loved one qualifies?
Eligibility depends on the patient’s diagnosis, overall medical condition, and prognosis. You do not need to make this determination yourself. ExpectCare Hospice will review the situation and guide you through the evaluation process.
Can we call hospice after normal business hours?
Hospice support is available when patients and families need assistance, including access to on-call clinical support outside regular office hours.
Can I keep my physician?
Yes. At ExpectCare Hospice, you can continue receiving care from your own physician. Our team works closely with your healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, compassionate care that respects your preferences and supports your individual needs.
You Don't Have to Navigate Hospice Alone
Whether you're exploring hospice for yourself, caring for someone you love, or referring a patient, we are here to answer your questions and help you understand the next step.