Hospice Care
Hospice care is a special kind of support for people with a serious illness who are nearing the end of life. Instead of focusing on curing the illness, hospice care is about comfort—managing pain, easing stress, and helping patients live their final days with dignity and peace. It also supports families by offering emotional and spiritual care, guidance, and a helping hand through one of life’s most difficult moments.
At The Willows Hospice, we understand that every person’s journey is unique. That’s why we provide compassionate, personalized care that respects your wishes and honors your values. Our experienced team of nurses, caregivers, social workers, and chaplains work together to support both the patient and their loved ones—24/7. With a deep commitment to comfort, respect, and dignity, we’re here for you when it matters most. Let us walk beside you with care you can trust.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is special care designed to provide a better quality of life for those in the final chapters of life limiting illnesses. Medicare defines this part of life’s journey by a prognosis stating a patient is likely to have six months or less to live. When curative treatments are no longer available, the distress and discomfort limits a patient’s quality of life, or a patient decides they no longer wish to return to the hospital, hospice focuses on keeping the person as comfortable and pain-free as possible allowing patients to live out their days wherever they call home with their loved ones by their side. In hospice we understand that death is a normal part of life’s journey for everyone and therefore, we focus on allowing patients and families to walk this final path with comfort, clarity, and connection.
How Long is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is designed for individuals who are expected to have six months or less to live if their illness follows its natural course. However, how long a person receives hospice care can vary widely. Some patients may only need hospice for a few days or weeks, while others may receive care for several months, or as recently demonstrated by President Jimmy Carter, years. If the patient lives longer than six months and still meets the criteria for hospice, care can continue as long as needed, patients will receive routine medical reviews to ensure continued eligibility.
It’s important to remember that starting hospice care early can provide more time to manage symptoms, improve comfort, and offer emotional and spiritual support. Many families who start hospice sooner often say they wish they had done it earlier, because it gave them more meaningful time together. At The Willows Hospice, we’re here to guide you through every step, offering care and support for as long as it’s needed.
How Do You Qualify for Hospice Care?
To qualify for hospice care, a patient must have:
- A terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less.
- A decision to stop curative treatment and focus on comfort and quality of life.
- Progressive symptoms such as weight loss, frequent infections, or repeated hospitalizations.
Hospice eligibility is usually determined by your physician, but family members can initiate conversations with healthcare providers if they believe a loved one may benefit from hospice. Common conditions that qualify include dementia, congestive heart failure, cancer, COPD, and other serious illnesses.
At The Willows Hospice, we will corridinate with a patient’s family and medical team to assess eligibility and create a personalized care plan.