Hospice 101
Understanding Hospice Care for Facility Staff
Duke Hospice 2025
Introduction
• What is Hospice?
• Palliative focus on comfort and quality of life, and curative care is no
longer wanted or an option.
• Patient goal is to remain out of the hospital
Eligibility for
Hospice Care
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND
Common Hospice Diagnoses
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Heart Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Liver Disease
• Pulmonary Disease
• Neurologic Disease (ALS, Parkinson’s, MS, or Muscular Dystrophy)
• Renal Failure
• Stroke
Hospice
Services
Medical Care
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Pain and Symptom Management
Bereavement Support
Medications and Supplies
Respite Care/GIP/Continuous
Care
• Around the clock support 100%
of the time
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Where is Hospice Provided?
• Private Homes
• Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Hospitals
• Independent Living Facilities
• Group Homes
What are the 4 Hospice Levels of Care?
• Respite
• Home Hospice
• GIP
• Continuous Care
Interdisciplinary Team
• Primary Physician
• Hospice Physician & NP’s
• Nurses
• Home Health Aides
• Social Workers
• Chaplains
• Volunteers
• Bereavement
Benefits of Hospice Care
• Improved quality of life
• Support for family members
• Relief from symptoms and pain
• Reduced Hospitalization Frequency
• DME and Supply coverage
• Support for facility staff
• Bereavement for facility staff
Common Hospice Myths
• Hospice is only for the last few days of life
• Hospice will stop medications, and does not give antibiotics
• Hospice kills you
• Hospice means giving up
• Hospice is a place
• Hospice care is expensive
When to Start Hospice
• Imagine having a stranger care for you while you are dying…
• Is this something you would want for you or your family?
• The earlier we receive the referral, the better.
Final tips & takeaways
• Hospice
• Here to provide the best day possible for your patients, their loved ones, and
all of you
• What qualifies someone for hospice?
• Life expectancy of 6 months or less
• When in doubt, always reach out
• Common items to watch for: Eating less, sleeping more, multiple falls,
changes in behavior, weight loss
• Have a discussion with the patient primary physician and advocate early
We are available 24/7
•919-620-3853