Understanding Hospice Care
Levels of Hospice Care Explained
Learn about the four levels of hospice care: routine, continuous, inpatient, and respite care, and when each is used.
Read guide →A detailed guide to understanding each member of the hospice care team and how they work together to support your family through the hospice journey.
Written and reviewed by a board-certified hospice & palliative medicine physician
Last reviewed:
10 min read
One of the most valuable aspects of hospice care is the interdisciplinary team approach. You're not just getting a nurse or a doctor—you're getting an entire team of professionals who work together to address every aspect of your loved one's care and your family's needs. Understanding who's on the team and what each person does can help you know what to expect and how to make the most of the support available to you.
The hospice physician oversees all medical care. They're responsible for certifying eligibility, managing medications, and ensuring that medical care aligns with hospice goals.
The RN is typically your primary point of contact and coordinates all aspects of care. They visit regularly to assess your loved one's condition, manage symptoms, provide education, and ensure the care plan is working effectively.
CNAs provide hands-on personal care, helping with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other daily activities. They're often the team members who spend the most time with your loved one and can provide companionship and comfort.
Social workers provide emotional support, help with practical matters, connect you to resources, and assist with advance directives and other important documents. They're there to support the entire family through the emotional and practical challenges of hospice.
Chaplains provide spiritual support for patients and families of all faiths (or no faith). They help with meaning-making, life review, prayer, rituals, and addressing spiritual concerns. Spiritual care is available to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Bereavement counselors provide grief support before and after death. They offer counseling, support groups, and resources to help families navigate the grieving process. Support continues for at least 13 months after death.
Volunteers provide companionship, respite for caregivers, practical help, and emotional support. They're trained specifically for hospice work and can offer a listening ear, help with errands, or simply be present with your loved one.
Your hospice team meets regularly (often weekly) to discuss each patient's care plan, share updates, and coordinate services. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of care—medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical—are addressed in a coordinated way.
The team meets regularly to discuss your loved one's care, share observations, and adjust the care plan as needed.
All team members communicate with each other to ensure everyone is on the same page and care is seamless.
The team recognizes that the patient and family are one unit of care, and everyone's needs are considered.
Someone from the team is always available by phone, day or night, to address concerns or emergencies.
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