Family & Caregiver Support
Family Caregiver Guide
Resources and support for family caregivers during the hospice journey.
Read guide →Understanding what grief and bereavement support is available in hospice care, how long it lasts, and how to find help during and after your loved one's hospice journey.
Written and reviewed by a board-certified hospice & palliative medicine physician
Last reviewed:
11 min read
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it often begins before death occurs—especially when a loved one is in hospice care. Anticipatory grief, the grief we experience before a loss, is common for families going through hospice. After death, bereavement support helps families navigate their grief journey. Hospice provides comprehensive grief and bereavement support as part of their services, and understanding what's available can help you access the help you need.
Important: Medicare requires that all certified hospices provide bereavement support to families for at least 13 months after a patient's death. This support is included in hospice services at no additional cost.
Grief often begins before death. Anticipatory grief is the emotional response to an expected loss, and it's very common for families during hospice care. Your hospice team may provide support throughout this time:
After your loved one dies, hospice continues to provide bereavement support. Medicare requires at least 13 months of support, and many hospices provide longer. Here's what's typically available:
One-on-one counseling sessions with trained bereavement counselors to help you process your grief, understand your emotions, and develop coping strategies.
Group sessions where you can connect with others who have experienced similar losses, share experiences, and find understanding and support.
Books, pamphlets, and online resources about grief, coping strategies, and what to expect in the grieving process.
Many hospices host annual memorial services to honor patients who have died, providing an opportunity for families to come together and remember their loved ones.
Regular check-ins by phone or mail to see how you're doing and offer support, especially during difficult times like holidays or anniversaries.
While hospice provides comprehensive bereavement support, you may also want to seek additional resources:
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