What is Hospice?
Hospice is about living fully, with comfort, dignity, and peace—even in life’s final chapter.
When a cure is no longer possible, hospice care becomes an option that shifts the focus from treatment to quality of life. Hospice of Orange & Sullivan care teams provide expert medical, emotional, and spiritual support so patients can spend their days as comfortably and meaningfully as possible, while families receive guidance and support every step of the way.
How Hospice Helps
Hospice teams create a caring environment for both patients and their loved ones. Instead of treating disease, hospice care manages symptoms, relieves pain, and supports emotional and spiritual needs. Families are active partners in decision-making, ensuring care reflects the wishes and values of their loved one.
People can receive hospice care:
- At home (the most common setting)
- In hospitals
- In nursing or extended care facilities
- At specialized centers like our Kaplan Family Hospice Residence
Hospice is not only for cancer patients. It can help those with advanced heart, lung, or kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and other serious conditions.
When Does Hospice Begin?
Hospice care typically begins when an illness is no longer curable and life expectancy is six months or less, as certified by a doctor. Starting care early can make a profound difference—providing more comfort, more support, and more time for meaningful moments with loved ones. If patients live longer than six months, hospice care can continue with physician recertification.
What’s Included in Hospice Care
Hospice provides:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and mental health support
- Spiritual care for all faiths—or none
- 24/7 support and guidance for patients and families
- Respite care to give caregivers a needed break
- Bereavement support for loved ones after a patient’s passing
In summary: Hospice care surrounds patients and families with compassionate support—relieving pain, easing fears, and making space for connection in life’s final season. It’s never too soon to call and learn how hospice can help you and your loved ones.
