What to Ask a Hospice, and How Respite Care Can Help Your Family

When a loved one enters hospice, families are often exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure what to ask. Hospice care is more than end-of-life comfort, it's a whole team, and it includes support for you, the caregiver. Here's what to know.

Hospice is a team, not a place A hospice team usually includes nurses, aides, a social worker, a chaplain (if wanted), and volunteers, all coordinated with your loved one's doctor. Much of hospice happens right at home.

Ask about respite care One of the most under-used hospice benefits is respite care, short-term care that gives family caregivers a break to rest, travel, or simply recover. Your loved one is cared for (often in a facility) for a few days while you catch your breath. Ask:

• Do you offer respite care, and where does it take place?
• How many days at a time, and how often?
• How much notice do you need?
• Is it covered by our insurance or Medicare?

Other good questions - Who is on our care team, and who do we call at 2 a.m.? - How quickly can someone come if things change? - What equipment and medications will you provide? - What support is there for us, counseling, grief support, help with the hard conversations?

You don't have to do this alone Caring for someone you love is heavy. Respite care exists precisely because caregivers matter too. On Wellyoh you can search hospices in your area and filter for the details that matter to your family, then reach out on your terms.

Find hospice and respite care near you.