Hospice Resources
Navigating hospice care can bring questions about eligibility, caregiving, grief, patient rights, and planning for future healthcare decisions. We have gathered resources that can help patients, families, and caregivers find reliable information and make informed decisions throughout the hospice experience.
Understanding Hospice
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California Hospice ResourcesCalifornia Department of Health Care Services – Hospice Care
www.dhcs.ca.gov
Review California-specific information about hospice care,including eligibility, covered services, and state oversight.
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Hospice EligibilityMedicare Hospice Benefits
www.medicare.gov
Understand the general Medicare requirements for hospice eligibility, including physician certification and theelection of hospice care.
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Medicare Hospice InformationMedicare Hospice Care
www.medicare.gov
Learn how the Medicare Hospice Benefit works, including eligibility, covered services, care settings, and patientrights.
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Patient RightsMedicare Rights and Protections
www.medicare.gov
Review important Medicare rights for people receiving hospice services, including participation in the care plan, pain management, and choices regarding care.
Caregiver Support
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Dementia Caregiver Education Best Programs for Caregiving
www.bpc.caregiver.org/
Find educational resources and evidence-informed programs designed to help family and friend caregivers supporting someone living with dementia.
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Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org
Access caregiver education, practical information, community connections, and resources designed to help family caregivers navigate their responsibilities.
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Respite and Caregiver Resources California Family Caregiver Support Program
www.caregiver.org
Explore California caregiver programs offering information, counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and respite resources.
Grief and Bereavement
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Adult Grief Support Hospice Foundation of America – Grief Resources
www.hospicefoundation.org
Explore grief-related information and support resources that can help adults understand and navigate the experience of losing someone important to them.
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Anticipatory Grief Education Hospice Foundation of America – Anticipatory Grief Resources
www.hospicefoundation.org
Explore information about anticipatory grief and the emotional changes that may occur before a loved one’s death, helping families recognize that grief can begin before a loss occurs.
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Children’s Grief Resources National Alliance for Children’s Grief
www.nacg.org
Find age-appropriate grief information to help children and the adults supporting them understand and respond to changes following a death.
Advance Care Planning
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Advance Healthcare Directives California Department of Aging – Advance Health Care Directives
www.aging.ca.gov
Explore information about advanced healthcare directives and documenting preferences for future medical care and healthcare decision-making.
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Community Care Connections
www.comcareconnections.org
The Community Care Connections complements our hospice program by connecting patients and families with additional community resources and support services that fall outside the Medicare Hospice Benefit. I think it provides added value to our patients and referral sources.
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POLST Information California POLST Information
www.cdph.ca.gov
Learn how California’s POLST form communicates a patient’s current treatment preferences through medical orders that can be honored across healthcare settings.
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Selecting a Healthcare Decision-Maker Medicare Rights and Protections
www.medicare.gov
Explore information about identifying the person who can help communicate healthcare preferences and make decisions when a patient cannot speak for themselves.
A Helpful Starting Point
These resources are provided for general informational purposes and are intended to help patients, families, and caregivers explore hospice-related topics. For questions about an individual’s care, eligibility, or circumstances, speak with the appropriate healthcare professional or hospice care team.