What Happens When You First Contact Hospice? A Guide for Families

Making the first call to hospice can feel difficult. You may have been given a recommendation by a doctor, noticed changes in a loved one’s health, or reached a point where caring for them feels increasingly overwhelming.

You may also be wondering: What do I say? Do we need a referral? Does calling mean we have to make a decision right away?

You can contact hospice to ask questions before deciding whether to begin care. Understanding what happens next can help make that first conversation feel a little more manageable.

You Can Start With What You Know When You Contact Hospice

You do not need to know the right medical terms or have a perfectly organized explanation. You can begin with something as simple as:

“My mother’s health has been declining, and I’m wondering whether hospice could help.”

Or:

“Our doctor suggested hospice, but we’re not sure what that would mean for our family.”

Patients and loved ones can contact a hospice provider directly to discuss their situation. A conversation can help you understand the services available and the steps involved in determining whether hospice is appropriate.

At the Hospice of the Fisher Home, we welcome questions about our services and the support available to patients and caregivers.

A Few Details Can Help Guide the Conversation

If you have information nearby, it may be useful to gather:

• Your loved one’s name and where they are currently living or receiving care.

• Their diagnosis, if known, and recent changes in their health.

• The name and contact information of their doctor.

• Your main concerns, such as discomfort, difficulty with daily activities, or challenges with caregiving.

• Any questions about care at home or in a hospice residence.

  
  

This is a helpful starting point, rather than a checklist you must complete before calling. If you are unsure about something, say so.

It can also help to write down your biggest question beforehand. When you are worried or tired, it is easy to forget the thing you most wanted to ask.

How Is Hospice Eligibility Determined?

The first conversation does not, by itself, establish eligibility for hospice. The next steps involve reviewing the person’s medical condition and working with the appropriate healthcare professionals.

For people using the Medicare hospice benefit, physicians must certify that the person has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. The person must also choose care focused on comfort rather than treatment intended to cure the terminal illness and related conditions.

That six-month timeframe is not an exact prediction or a deadline for care. A person can continue receiving hospice beyond six months if they remain eligible and are recertified. 

The hospice team can explain how these requirements apply to your loved one and discuss questions about coverage and enrollment. You do not have to figure out eligibility on your own.

What Happens If Your Loved One Begins Care?

If your loved one is eligible and chooses hospice, the patient, family, and hospice team work together to medicare.gov

This is an opportunity to discuss what matters to your loved one: where they feel most comfortable, what symptoms are troubling them, and how they want to spend their time.

For families, it is also a chance to be honest about practical concerns. You might be worried about helping someone move safely, understanding their medications, or balancing caregiving with work.

Ask what support is included, how to reach the team with concerns, and what responsibilities family caregivers will have. Having those conversations early helps everyone understand the plan.

Can Hospice Care Take Place at Home?

Through the Hospice of the Fisher Home’s Community Program, we provide hospice care in patients’ homes, assisted-living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities throughout Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties.

Our community services include visits from registered hospice nurses, certified nursing assistants, a social worker, and a spiritual and bereavement counselor. Volunteers also support our work in the community. We manage the ordering and delivery of medications and necessary medical equipment to help keep patients comfortable.

If you are considering care at home, ask how visits are planned, what support is available between visits, and what help your household may need with daily care.

We also provide care in our Amherst residence. Discussing your loved one’s needs and the support available to your family can help you explore which setting may be appropriate.

What If We Are Still Unsure?

It is understandable to need time, more information, or another conversation with your loved one’s doctor.

You may want to ask:

• What would hospice care look like for our family?

• How would it affect the care my loved one currently receives?

• What should we discuss with their doctor?

• What happens if they are not eligible right now?

• What are the next steps if we decide to move forward?

Calling to learn about hospice does not mean you have enrolled. It gives you an opportunity to ask questions and better understand your choices.

Taking the First Step With Fisher Home

You may be ready to discuss care, or you may simply need someone to explain where to begin. Either is a reason to reach out.

If you or a loved one is considering hospice care in Western Massachusetts, contact the Hospice of the Fisher Home at (413) 549-0115 or hospice@fisherhome.org. You can also learn more about care at home through our Community Program.