When a loved one is facing a serious illness, families are often overwhelmed with questions, emotions, and uncertainty. One of the most important decisions is understanding what kind of care will provide the greatest comfort, dignity, and support during this time.
Hospice care is designed to do exactly that—helping patients live as comfortably and fully as possible while supporting the entire family along the way.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is considered the gold standard for compassionate care for individuals facing a life-limiting illness or injury. It brings together a team of healthcare professionals who provide expert medical care, along with emotional and spiritual support tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
At its core, hospice care is built on a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves to live their final chapter with comfort, dignity, and peace—and families deserve the support to navigate this journey with confidence.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
Hospice care is available to patients who have been diagnosed by a physician with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the illness follows its natural course.
While this can be a difficult step, hospice is not about giving up—it is about focusing on quality of life, comfort, and meaningful time together.
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care
Many families are unsure about the difference between hospice and palliative care.
Palliative care focuses on managing pain and symptoms for individuals with serious illnesses, even if the condition is not terminal. Hospice care is a type of palliative care specifically designed for patients nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less.
Both approaches share the same goal: improving comfort, reducing stress, and supporting both patients and families.
Where Is Hospice Care Provided?
Most hospice care is provided in the comfort of a patient’s home, allowing individuals to remain in a familiar and supportive environment. Care can also be provided in nursing homes, assisted living communities, or inpatient settings when needed.
Is Hospice Care Covered?
Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and most private insurance plans and HMOs. This allows families to focus on care and support without the added burden of financial stress.
Flexibility and Ongoing Support
Hospice care is designed to meet the changing needs of each patient. In some cases, patients may improve with the support and symptom management hospice provides. If that happens, they may transition out of hospice and into home health care services.
Hospice services can also be stopped at any time if a patient chooses, and benefits can often be restarted if needed in the future.
For family caregivers, short-term respite care is also available—providing time to rest and recharge while ensuring their loved one continues to receive quality care.
A Team That Supports the Whole Family
Hospice care is not just for the patient—it is for the entire family. From nurses and aides to social workers and spiritual support, the hospice team works together to provide guidance, comfort, and reassurance every step of the way.
Local, Compassionate Care You Can Trust
Traditional Home Health Care and Hospice is proud to serve families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support patients and families when they need us most.
How to Get Started
Anyone can make a referral for hospice care—including healthcare providers, social workers, clergy, family members, or friends.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about hospice care, our team is here to help guide you through your options with compassion and clarity.
Phone: (570) 207-9286
Toll Free: (866) 472-9456
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Hospice care is about more than medical support—it’s about helping patients live with dignity and giving families the peace of mind they deserve.
At Traditional Home Health Care and Hospice, we are honored to walk alongside you during this journey, providing compassionate care, guidance, and support every step of the way.
