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Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care
This page was built around the real questions families bring to us. Whether you’re trying to understand what hospice actually involves, whether your loved one qualifies, or how the process works from start to finish, you’ll find straightforward answers here.
If you don’t see your question below, our care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call us at (650) 898-5784 and a real person will be there to help.
General Hospice Questions
What is hospice care? Hospice is specialized care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients with a terminal illness who have chosen to stop pursuing curative treatment.
Who is eligible for hospice care? Patients must be enrolled in Medicare Part A, have a physician certify a life expectancy of six months or less, and choose comfort-focused care over curative treatment. Hospice is open to patients with a wide range of diagnoses including cancer, heart failure, COPD, dementia, ALS, and kidney disease, among others.
When is the right time to call hospice?
The most common regret we hear from families is that they waited too long. If your loved one is declining despite treatment, experiencing frequent hospitalizations, or has expressed a desire to focus on comfort, it is time to call us.
Does hospice care mean we are giving up hope?
Not at all. Hospice shifts the focus from fighting a disease to living as fully and comfortably as possible.
Can a patient leave hospice if they change their mind?
Yes. Patients can leave hospice at any time without penalty, return to curative treatment, and re-enroll in hospice later if their condition changes and they meet eligibility criteria again.
What happens if a patient’s condition improves while on hospice?
If a patient stabilizes or improves, they may be discharged from hospice and return to standard Medicare coverage.
Can hospice care be provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Yes. Our team comes to your loved one so they can remain in a familiar, comfortable environment.
Get more answers here: Hospice Care
Costs and Coverage
How much does hospice care cost?
For most families, hospice costs very little or nothing out of pocket as care is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
Does hospice cover medications?
Yes. Medications directly related to the hospice diagnosis are typically covered in full under the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
Does hospice cover medical equipment?
Yes. Durable medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis, is covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
What if my loved one doesn’t have Medicare or insurance?
Please call us and let’s talk through your options.
Services and Care
Who makes up the hospice care team?
Your care team includes a Registered Nurse, Physician, Home Health Aide, Social Worker, Chaplain, and trained Volunteers, all working together around your loved one’s individual needs.
How many nursing visits will my loved one receive each week?
Visit frequency is based on your loved one’s current medical needs and care plan and is reassessed regularly as their condition evolves.
What is respite care?
Respite care is a Medicare Hospice Benefit that provides short-term inpatient stay of up to five consecutive days designed to give family caregivers.
Does your team offer emotional and spiritual support?
Yes. Our social workers and chaplains provide emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support.
Does Grace and Glory Hospice offer 24/7 support?
Yes. Our team is available around the clock, every day of the year. You can reach a real member of our care team at any hour by calling (650) 898-5784.
Palliative Care
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is specialized support focused on relieving the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness at any stage, even while curative treatment is still ongoing.
How is palliative care different from hospice care?
Palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and be received alongside active treatment, while hospice care is for patients who have chosen to stop curative treatment and have a prognosis of six months or less.
Who is palliative care for?
Palliative care is appropriate for anyone living with a serious illness, who would benefit from better symptom management and quality-of-life support. You do not need a terminal prognosis to receive palliative care.
Does insurance cover palliative care?
Coverage varies by plan, but some palliative care services are covered under Medicare Part B and many private insurance plans.
Can a patient transition from palliative care to hospice care?
Yes, and this is a very natural progression for many patients. Grace and Glory Hospice supports your loved one through both stages so that continuity of care is never disrupted.
Does Grace and Glory Hospice provide both palliative and hospice care?
Yes. We offer both palliative and hospice care services to families across our service areas
Learn more: Palliative Care
For Clinicians and Referral Partners
How do I refer a patient to Grace and Glory Hospice?
Referring a patient is simple. You can call us directly at (650) 898-5784, and our clinical team will guide you through the process.
What information do I need to submit a referral?
A typical referral includes the patient’s demographic information, primary diagnosis, relevant medical history, current medications, and the attending physician’s contact information.
How quickly can you begin care after a referral is made?
We can typically initiate care within 24 to 48 hours of a completed referral and eligibility confirmation. For urgent cases, we work to expedite the process as quickly as possible so that the patient and family receive timely support.
Does the patient’s primary physician remain involved after a hospice referral?
Yes. The patient’s attending physician remains an integral part of the care team.
Can patients be referred directly from the hospital or skilled nursing facility?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with hospital discharge planners, case managers, and skilled nursing facility staff to facilitate smooth transitions to hospice care.
Do you provide updates on shared patients to the referring clinician?
Yes. We provide clear and consistent communication with referring providers.
What makes Grace and Glory Hospice a trusted referral partner?
We are a locally owned, nurse-led hospice that is CHAP Certified and licensed by the State of California. Our team brings a high level of clinical expertise, responsiveness, and genuine compassion to every patient we serve, and we treat every referral as an extension of the trust you place in us on behalf of your patients.
Learn more About Us
How can I learn more about partnering with Grace and Glory Hospice?
We welcome the opportunity to connect with physicians, discharge planners, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals in our community. Call us at (650) 898-5784 to schedule a conversation or arrange a visit to your facility.
What Patients Are Saying About Us
Camille C.
5 months ago
Grace and Glory Hospice is a wonderful, family-owned hospice company. One of the owners, Jane, is a nurse who has spent many years working in senior care. Her deep understanding of what families experience during such emotional times shines through in everything she does. For example, Jane often answers the phone herself. She takes the time to listen, reassure, and guide families personally. That kind of individual care and accessibility is rare in this field!
The Grace and Glory team reflects that same spirit of compassion and excellence. Tekia’s warm presence makes families feel deeply supported and held, even in the most difficult moments. She has a gift for bringing calm and comfort wherever she goes. Kati, their social worker, is also compassionate and knowledgable.
Grace and Glory also educates families and community partners about hospice, palliative care, and how to navigate this stage of life with dignity and grace.
Our shared client received truly exceptional care from this team and their communication the whole way through was great. Thank you for providing such exceptional, personal, and heartfelt care to those in their final season of life! We are grateful for the work you do.
The Grace and Glory team reflects that same spirit of compassion and excellence. Tekia’s warm presence makes families feel deeply supported and held, even in the most difficult moments. She has a gift for bringing calm and comfort wherever she goes. Kati, their social worker, is also compassionate and knowledgable.
Grace and Glory also educates families and community partners about hospice, palliative care, and how to navigate this stage of life with dignity and grace.
Our shared client received truly exceptional care from this team and their communication the whole way through was great. Thank you for providing such exceptional, personal, and heartfelt care to those in their final season of life! We are grateful for the work you do.
Christina C.
5 months ago
My grandmother was 95 years old when she began to use hospice services. She was keen on her own independence and it was important to her that she got to remain comfortable at home, and be able to continue do the things she wanted to do.
Our hospice team made our home feel peaceful, and allowed us to focus on spending quality time together. We especially wanted to give thanks to Mayra, Tania, and Isabella, who helped us greatly and were always just a call or message away, and to the whole team who helped us all hold together through our fear and grief.
We were surprised by how much our hospice staff would do for us, and the supplies and physical support they gave us. We weren't ready to lose her, but they made it a time where we could be together without the stress of day to day care needs. We could plan together, and it was easier to keep her safe, comfortable, and free from pain. If you are thinking about hospice services, don't hesitate to reach out to Grace and Glory.
Our hospice team made our home feel peaceful, and allowed us to focus on spending quality time together. We especially wanted to give thanks to Mayra, Tania, and Isabella, who helped us greatly and were always just a call or message away, and to the whole team who helped us all hold together through our fear and grief.
We were surprised by how much our hospice staff would do for us, and the supplies and physical support they gave us. We weren't ready to lose her, but they made it a time where we could be together without the stress of day to day care needs. We could plan together, and it was easier to keep her safe, comfortable, and free from pain. If you are thinking about hospice services, don't hesitate to reach out to Grace and Glory.
Stephanie C.
6 months ago
Grace & Glory's approach and philosophy to hospice care is absolutely wonderful. A company ran by a nurse whose focus is on their patients comfort.
bossmr
6 months ago
I think that my letter to Jane, the owner of Grace and Glory, speaks for itself...
"Dear Jane,
I'm taking some time to thank Grace and Glory, and you specifically, for the care, support and love shown my wife and me since we came aboard.
The caregivers and nurses who come into our home demonstrate a passion for providing not only the medical care we need but, equally important - caring, love and, when needed, emotional support. I must heap special credit and praise for M***, D***** and, of course, L*** who are with us routinely and whom we've come to see as family. L*** recommended Grace and Glory to us and helped us transfer from another agency, a competent organization but focused primarily on their bottom line profitability lacking your grace and compassion.
Literally, everyone we have encountered with Grace and Glory has been professional, competent in their skills, knowledgeable and compassionate for D******'s condition. Sometimes, we've needed special help for an urgent situation, and help was always at hand - from your doctors, to your phone assistance late at night, to the on-call nurses who came to our home. Their commitment to HELP was ever present.
Its apparent to us that the excellence in Grace and Glory comes "from the top," and that is where this note comes full circle in thanking you specifically. You certainly named your company well!
"Dear Jane,
I'm taking some time to thank Grace and Glory, and you specifically, for the care, support and love shown my wife and me since we came aboard.
The caregivers and nurses who come into our home demonstrate a passion for providing not only the medical care we need but, equally important - caring, love and, when needed, emotional support. I must heap special credit and praise for M***, D***** and, of course, L*** who are with us routinely and whom we've come to see as family. L*** recommended Grace and Glory to us and helped us transfer from another agency, a competent organization but focused primarily on their bottom line profitability lacking your grace and compassion.
Literally, everyone we have encountered with Grace and Glory has been professional, competent in their skills, knowledgeable and compassionate for D******'s condition. Sometimes, we've needed special help for an urgent situation, and help was always at hand - from your doctors, to your phone assistance late at night, to the on-call nurses who came to our home. Their commitment to HELP was ever present.
Its apparent to us that the excellence in Grace and Glory comes "from the top," and that is where this note comes full circle in thanking you specifically. You certainly named your company well!
Mikki E.
7 months ago
I have had the pleasure of working with the Grace and Glory team, they are kind, professional and always go the extra mile for who they are carrying for. I have worked with different families that have used Grace and Glory and each family has nothing but wonderful things to say. They work as a team to support the patient and the family. If a family member needs Hospice support I recommend Grace and Glory.
Still Have Questions?
Every family’s situation is different, and there are truly no wrong questions when it comes to the care of someone you love. Our team at Grace and Glory Hospice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions with honesty and compassion.
Call us anytime at (650) 898-5784 or request a free evaluation to have a member of our care team reach out to you directly.
We proudly serve families across Contra Costa County, Alameda County, San Mateo County, San Joaquin County, and surrounding communities.
Quick Links
Contact
- Grace and Glory Hospice
- 2145 Elkins Way Suite A
- Brentwood, CA 94513
- (650) 898-5784
- Find Us On Google
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