Hospice
Understanding Hospice: Myths & Facts
Hospice isn’t a place; it’s a type of care offered wherever the patient lives. It isn’t just for one illness or belief system either. Families stay involved, and care is provided by a team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and more. Hospice is about compassion and connection, not isolation. We help you explore options that feel right for your family.
Hospice care focuses on dignity, quality of life, and relief from discomfort for individuals with serious illness. We support families by connecting them with compassionate hospice providers who understand how to care for patients and loved ones during this deeply personal stage.
Types of Hospice Care
Hospice care can be provided in a range of settings based on the level of support a patient needs to stay comfortable and manage symptoms. At Ohana Senior Care Agency, we help families understand the different types of hospice care and connect them with qualified, compassionate professionals who deliver the right level of care in the most appropriate setting.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is specialized care for individuals living with advanced illness near the end of life. It centers on managing symptoms, reducing discomfort, and supporting emotional and spiritual well-being. At Ohana Senior Care Agency, we refer families to trusted hospice providers who offer this care with dignity and empathy in the setting that feels most like home.
Continuous Care
When symptoms become difficult to manage, continuous care provides short-term, extended support at the patient’s bedside. Hospice staff remain present for up to 24 hours a day until the patient is stabilized, helping to manage pain, distress, or other urgent needs at home.
Inpatient Care
If symptoms cannot be managed at home, inpatient hospice care is available in a facility such as a hospice center or skilled nursing home. It provides round-the-clock medical support to help stabilize the patient before returning to a less intensive setting.
Respite Care
Respite care offers families a temporary break by arranging short-term care for the patient in a facility, typically for up to five days. This allows caregivers to rest and recharge while knowing their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment.
Routine Home Care
Routine care involves scheduled visits from a hospice team to support the patient and family in their home or care facility. This is the most common level of care, focusing on pain management, emotional support, and day-to-day symptom control in a familiar environment.
3 Questions to Ask if it is Time for Hospice
Choosing hospice at the right time can give individuals and families the chance to focus on what matters most: comfort, peace of mind, and meaningful time together. Early access to hospice also eases the emotional and physical stress that often comes with advancing illness.
If you're unsure whether it's time to consider hospice care, these questions can help guide the conversation:
Common conditions associated with hospice care include cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s or dementia, respiratory illness, stroke, and other progressive conditions such as ALS, liver or kidney failure, and advanced neurological disorders.
It may be time to consider hospice if the patient:
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Has been given a prognosis of six months or less
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Chooses comfort care over aggressive treatment
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Is increasingly unable to manage daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating
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Has experienced unplanned weight loss, frequent hospital visits, or worsening symptoms over several months
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If the patient has an advance directive or has shared specific wishes regarding treatment, these should guide the next steps. Hospice providers can work with families and healthcare teams to create a care plan that honors those wishes and supports quality of life.
Support Beyond the First Call
Our role continues well beyond the initial referral. We follow up regularly, provide ongoing guidance, and serve as a reliable point of contact for families and professionals throughout the care journey.
Finding the Right Fit, Together
We take time to understand each family’s unique needs, then connect them with carefully vetted providers who align with their care goals, values, and preferences. Every referral is handled with care, never rushed and never random.
24/7 Support When It Matters Most
Families and healthcare professionals can reach out to us at any time for guidance, referrals, or help coordinating care. We’re here to help you make timely decisions and connect you with the right resources whenever needed.
