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What to Expect in Hospice Care

A comprehensive guide to what to expect throughout the hospice journey, from the first week through ongoing care and end-of-life support.

Written and reviewed by a board-certified hospice & palliative medicine physician

Last reviewed:

Understanding what to expect in hospice care can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the journey ahead. While every situation is unique, there are common experiences and timelines that most families encounter. This guide walks you through what to expect from start to finish.

The First Week: Getting Started

The first week is focused on assessment, setup, and establishing the care plan:

Day 1: Initial Assessment

  • • RN visit (1-3 hours) for complete assessment
  • • Review of medications and medical history
  • • Discussion of goals and preferences
  • • Receive 24/7 emergency contact information
  • • Equipment ordered and scheduled for delivery

Days 2-3: Equipment & Setup

  • • Medical equipment delivered (bed, oxygen, etc.)
  • • Medications delivered and organized
  • • Team members begin regular visits
  • • Care plan finalized with family input

Days 4-7: Establishing Routine

  • • Regular visit schedule established
  • • Family education on caregiving
  • • Symptom management adjustments as needed
  • • Team coordination and communication
Read detailed First Week Guide →

Ongoing Care: Weeks 2 and Beyond

After the first week, hospice care settles into a routine, but remains flexible to meet changing needs:

Regular Visits

  • •Nurses: 1-3 times per week (more if needed)
  • •Aides: 2-5 times per week for personal care
  • •Social Workers: Weekly or as needed
  • •Chaplains: As requested or needed

Care Adjustments

  • •Care plan reviewed every 15 days on average
  • •Medications adjusted as symptoms change
  • •Visit frequency increased if needed
  • •Equipment and supplies updated

As Condition Changes

Hospice care adapts as your loved one's condition changes. Here's what to expect:

If Symptoms Worsen

  • •More frequent nurse visits
  • •Medication adjustments for better symptom control
  • •Continuous care or inpatient care if needed
  • •24/7 phone support and emergency visits

If Condition Improves

  • •Care plan adjusted to reflect improvement
  • •Possibility of discharge from hospice if no longer eligible
  • •Return to regular Medicare coverage
  • •Can re-enroll in hospice later if needed

End-of-Life Phase

As the end of life approaches, hospice care intensifies to ensure comfort and support:

Increased Support

More frequent visits, continuous care if needed, and 24/7 availability. The team is there to support both the patient and family through this difficult time.

Symptom Management

Focus on keeping the patient comfortable, managing pain, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms. The goal is comfort and peace.

Family Support

Emotional support, guidance on what to expect, help with difficult decisions, and presence during the final days. The team helps families navigate this time with compassion.

After Death

Your hospice team helps with immediate needs, notifies appropriate parties, and begins bereavement support for the family. Support continues for at least 13 months.

Key Takeaways

  • •The first week focuses on assessment, setup, and establishing the care plan
  • •Ongoing care includes regular visits from team members and flexible adjustments
  • •Care adapts as condition changes—more support when needed, adjustments when improving
  • •End-of-life phase includes increased support and intensive symptom management
  • •Bereavement support continues for at least 13 months after death

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