First Days of Hospice Care at Home: What to Expect

When hospice care begins at home, it marks more than just a medical transition; it's a shift toward comfort, dignity, and presence. For many families, this moment brings both relief and uncertainty. At Pallatus, our goal is to make this change feel less like the end of something, and more like a beginning—of care that truly centers your loved one.

The First Visit

Hospice begins with a home visit from an admissions nurse. This visit is relaxed and focused on support. There's no need to prepare your space or host anyone formally. The nurse will:

• • Review your loved one's current condition and medical history
  • Go over the hospice plan of care and what services are included
  • Explain how medications and supplies will be managed
  • Answer questions from anyone present, including family or caregivers

This visit helps establish trust and ensures that everyone understands the journey ahead.

Meeting Your Care Team

Shortly after admission, other members of the hospice team begin visiting. Depending on your needs, this team may include:

• • A <strong>registered nurse</strong> to monitor health, manage symptoms, and guide you through any changes
  • A <strong>home health aide</strong> to assist with personal care like bathing, dressing, and mobility
  • A <strong>social worker</strong> to provide emotional support and help with logistics or advance care planning
  • A <strong>chaplain</strong>, if desired, for spiritual guidance that aligns with your values
  • <strong>Trained volunteers or complementary therapists</strong> who offer companionship or calming therapies

Each team member plays a different role, but all work together with one focus: your family's comfort and quality of life.

Supplies, Medications, and Coordination

Pallatus takes care of delivering all necessary equipment to your home—hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and more—so you're not scrambling to make arrangements. Medications related to comfort and symptom control are also handled by our team. This includes pain relief, anti-anxiety meds, or anything else that supports well-being. We also coordinate closely with your loved one's physician and specialists to ensure continuity of care and avoid unnecessary hospital trips.

24/7 Access to Help

Even with a great care team, the unknown can feel overwhelming. That's why we offer around-the-clock on-call support. Whether you have a medical question at midnight, notice a sudden change in symptoms, or simply need reassurance, our nurses and care staff are available, any time, any day. Families often say this is one of the most comforting aspects of hospice at home: knowing they're never alone, even in the middle of the night.

What You're Really Choosing

Hospice isn't about giving up; it's about choosing a different path. One where comfort takes priority over cure. At Pallatus, we don't come in to take over. We walk alongside you, helping create an environment where your loved one feels safe, heard, and at peace. The first days of hospice are just the beginning of that care.