Starting Hospice:
What to Expect

Starting hospice care at home can feel like a whirlwind at first, with the setup of medical equipment, supplies, and medications, as well as visits from a new care team. But once the essentials are in place, hospice care shifts into a steady routine designed to support both the patient and their loved ones. With an experienced team providing medical, emotional, and spiritual support, families can feel more confident and prepared, knowing they have guidance and resources for every step of this important journey.

The First Week of Hospice Care at Home

In the first week of hospice care at home, things can feel busy and a bit overwhelming as the team sets up essential equipment, supplies, and medications. After the initial flurry, though, visits typically settle into a more regular, predictable schedule.

An interdisciplinary hospice team, experienced in end-of-life care, usually includes a physician, nurse, aide, social worker, and sometimes a chaplain or spiritual counselor. Each member visits to introduce themselves, explain their role, and outline the support they’ll offer. They also provide caregivers with a direct line they can call anytime for urgent questions or concerns.


Hospice Interdisciplinary Team

Physician and/or Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant

  • Specializes in managing symptoms and diseases.
  • Oversees patient care and develops care plans.
  • Coordinates activities within the hospice care team.

Registered Nurse (RN)

  • Regularly evaluates the patient’s health.
  • Manages daily medical and nursing care.
  • Arranges for medications, supplies, and equipment.


Nursing Aide

  • Visits regularly to assist with personal care needs.
  • Helps with tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding.
  • Acts as a bridge for communication between the family and care team.


Chaplain/Spiritual Counselor

  • Provides non-denominational spiritual support.
  • Can connect patients and families with faith-based resources.
  • Offers guidance on end-of-life matters.


Social Worker

  • Provides counseling and support to the patient and family.
  • Helps with access to resources and services.
  • Assists in advance care planning and bereavement support.


Bereavement Support Person

  • Offers continued support for family and caregivers after the patient’s passing.
  • May facilitate grief support groups or similar programs.


Volunteers

  • Provide companionship, support, and relief to family caregivers.
  • Can assist with light housekeeping, errands, and non-medical therapies (like pet therapy or hand massage).
  • Bring compassion and additional support to patients and families.

Note: Roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the hospice provider.

During the first few days, the team creates a personalized care plan to address the patient’s immediate and anticipated needs—medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual. They also support caregivers by explaining how to manage daily tasks and safely administer medications. Initial setups often include:

  • Delivery and installation of necessary equipment (e.g., hospital bed, oxygen)
  • Arrival of personal care supplies (e.g., incontinence pads, skin cleansers)
  • Medication setup, including a “comfort care” pack for urgent symptoms if needed

Once everything is in place, the frequency of visits usually slows, following a set schedule. Here’s what a typical routine might look like:

  • Regular Visits:
    • A hospice aide comes three times a week to help with personal care, like bathing.
    • A registered nurse (RN) visits weekly or more to check on health status, pain, and medication needs.
  • As Needed Visits:
    • A social worker visits early on to assess practical and emotional needs of both patient and family.
    • A chaplain or spiritual counselor can visit if the patient or family would like spiritual support.
    • A nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) may also visit to adjust care plans or medications as needed.

Hospice volunteers provide additional support for patients and caregivers, helping with homemaking, companionship, and sometimes providing therapies like music or pet therapy. Volunteers can also offer short-term respite, giving caregivers a break during the day.

This routine helps create a steady, supportive environment so patients and families can focus on comfort, care, and spending quality time together.

As hospice care at home settles into a routine, families and caregivers can find comfort in the ongoing support and guidance from their hospice team. With regular visits, personalized care, and volunteer assistance, both patients and their loved ones can focus on creating meaningful, peaceful moments together. Hospice care is ultimately about honoring a loved one’s final chapter with compassion and dignity, knowing that skilled help is always close at hand.