| Team Member | Visit Frequency | Core Home Services |
|---|
| RN Case Manager | 1–2×/week (more PRN) | Symptom assessment, medication management, wound care, catheter/ostomy care, education, care coordination, pronouncement |
| Hospice Aide (CNA/HHA) | 2–3×/week | Bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, repositioning, linen change, light housekeeping (patient area only), vital signs |
| Social Worker | 1–2×/month + PRN | Psychosocial assessment, advance care planning, resource linkage (Medicaid, VA, Meals on Wheels), caregiver support, funeral planning |
| Chaplain / Spiritual Counselor | 1–2×/month + PRN | Existential support, life review, ritual/prayer, legacy work, grief counseling, interfaith / non-religious |
| Volunteer | Weekly (2–4 hrs) | Companionship, respite, errands, reading, music, pet therapy, veteran recognition |
| Physician / NP / PA | As needed (face-to-face q60d for recert) | Medical direction, complex symptom management, certification, goals-of-care conversations |
24/7 On-Call Support
- RN available by phone 24/7; home visit within 1–2 hours for crisis.
- Triage protocol: phone management → home visit → GIP/CHC activation → ED (only if comfort goal unmet at home).
Equipment and Supplies (Covered 100% by Medicare Hospice Benefit)
- Hospital bed, mattress, overlays.
- Oxygen concentrator, portable tanks, supplies.
- Wheelchair, walker, commode, shower chair, Hoyer lift.
- Incontinence supplies, wound dressings, enteral feeding supplies.
- Medications related to terminal diagnosis (pain, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety, constipation, secretions).
Practical Support Examples
- Teaching family: medication administration (SL/SC), repositioning, skin checks, oral suctioning.
- Coordinating DME delivery, pharmacy fills, lab draws (if comfort-focused).
- Assisting with Medicaid spend-down, VA benefits, community resources.
- Legacy projects: memory books, recordings, letters.
Bereavement Continuity
- 13 months of bereavement support post-death (calls, visits, groups, mailings).
- Child-specific grief programs.
- Memorial services.
Eligibility and Election
- Two physicians certify ≤6 month prognosis if disease runs normal course.
- Patient signs election statement (waives curative Medicare for terminal diagnosis).
- Can revoke anytime; re-elect later if re-eligible.
Hospice home care brings expert symptom management and holistic support to the patient's chosen environment — enabling dignity, comfort, and family presence during life's final chapter.
Hospice - Related Articles
