A Guide for Families Navigating the Next Step
When a loved one begins hospice care, families often have questions about what will happen next. What support is available? Who will be involved? How does care actually work in the home?
At Ozark Hospice Care, we believe that understanding what to expect can ease anxiety and help families feel more confident and prepared. Here’s what typically happens when hospice care begins—and how we walk alongside you every step of the way.
What Happens When Hospice Care Begins?
Once a patient elects hospice care, a registered hospice nurse will make the first home visit. This initial visit is focused on:
Understanding the patient’s condition
Discussing current symptoms or concerns (e.g., pain, nausea, anxiety, agitation)
Establishing goals of care
Creating a personalized care plan with input from both the patient and family
This care plan will guide all hospice services moving forward and is updated regularly as the patient’s needs change.
Considering hospice But unsure if it's the right time?
Ozark Hospice Care offers free in-home visits to help families explore their options and determine if hospice is the right fit—no pressure, just compassionate guidance.
What Is the Role of a Primary Caregiver at Home?
Hospice care is designed to support—not replace—the role of a daily caregiver. In a home setting, the patient must have a designated primary caregiver, which can be a family member, close friend, or hired professional. This person coordinates with the hospice team and helps manage daily care needs.
If the patient resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the facility staff fills this role.
Who’s Part of the Hospice Care Team?
Hospice care is a collaborative effort delivered by an interdisciplinary team:
- Physician/Medical Director: Oversees the overall care plan, provides medical guidance, and works closely with the hospice team to ensure the patient’s needs and goals are met
- Registered Nurse (RN): Leads the care plan, monitors symptoms, and adjusts medications
- Hospice Aide: Helps with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Social Worker: Provides emotional support, assists with advance care planning, and connects families to resources
- Chaplain or Spiritual Counselor: Offers spiritual care aligned with the patient’s beliefs
- Volunteers (if available): May offer companionship, help with errands, or give caregivers a break
Each member plays a vital role in ensuring the patient is comfortable, supported, and treated with dignity.
What Does Hospice Provide at Home?
Hospice ensures that both comfort and safety are addressed by delivering:
Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, oxygen, BiPAP/CPAP machines, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, and more—depending on individual needs
Medications: All prescriptions related to the terminal illness and comfort measures (including pain medications, anxiety relief, anti-nausea, and constipation support)
Supplies: Wound care materials, incontinence products, and other necessary items
For a complete breakdown of what hospice care includes in Missouri, read our guide to services covered under hospice care.
Is Hospice Care Available 24/7?
While hospice nurses and staff visit regularly, they do not remain in the home around the clock. However, families have access to a 24/7 on-call nurse who can offer guidance by phone or make an emergency visit when needed.
How Is Hospice Care Adjusted Over Time?
Hospice care is dynamic. The care plan is reviewed frequently and adjusted to reflect the patient’s condition and goals. Whether it’s modifying medications, introducing new equipment, or increasing visit frequency, the team remains flexible and responsive.
What Emotional and Spiritual Support Does Hospice Offer?
Hospice care goes beyond physical needs. Patients and their loved ones receive emotional and spiritual support to help navigate this stage of life with peace and understanding. From grief counseling and chaplain visits to help with advance directives or difficult conversations, the hospice team supports both the individual and the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
The frequency of visits depends on the patient’s needs and condition. Typically, nurses visit at least once a week, and hospice aides often visit multiple times a week to help with bathing and personal care. If symptoms become more complex, nurse visits may increase.
In the final days of life, nurses often visit daily (or even more frequently) to ensure symptoms are well controlled and families have the support they need. The care plan outlines this schedule and can always be adjusted to match changing needs.
No formal training is required. The hospice team will teach you what you need to know—such as how to give medications, use equipment, or recognize symptoms. They’ll also provide written instructions and be available by phone 24/7 for guidance.
Yes. Patients can revoke hospice at any time if they choose to pursue curative treatment again or if their condition unexpectedly improves. They can also re-enroll in hospice later if they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Hospice provides 24/7 on-call nurse support. If a concern arises outside regular hours—such as uncontrolled symptoms, breathing issues, or a sudden change in condition—you can call, and a nurse will offer immediate guidance or visit in person if needed.
Yes. Social workers and nurses can assist with completing advance directives, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, and other legal or medical documents. They also help facilitate conversations about the patient’s wishes and long-term care goals.
Start the Hospice Journey with Support and Clarity
Hospice care is not about giving up. It’s about living with dignity, comfort, and choice. At Ozark Hospice Care, we meet you where you are, provide the care you need from every aspect, and guide you through the journey with compassion and clarity. If you have questions or are wondering whether hospice is the right next step, we’re here to help.
