Expert Hospice Care Throughout Virginia

Hospice care provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. According to Medicare guidelines, hospice care is appropriate when a physician certifies that an individual has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its natural course.

Let’s clear up the most common misconception: hospice is not about giving up. It’s about shifting the focus from curing an illness to ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer effective.

At James River Home Health & Hospice, hospice is more than medical care. Our hospice care is a complete support system for both the patient and the family.

One of the biggest questions families ask is: “Where will my loved one receive care?” The answer is simple: wherever they’re most comfortable.

Hospice care is provided in:

• Your home (house, apartment, or family member’s residence)
• Assisted living facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Memory care communities
• Hospitals (when appropriate for symptom management)

Most of our patients receive care at home, but we serve patients across all settings in the Richmond, Fredericksburg, Farmville, Lynchburg, Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Roanoke areas. If your loved one needs to move to a facility, our care continues there.

See our full service area and locations - Our Service Area

Hospice is available to anyone with a life-limiting illness when curative treatment is no longer effective or desired. Common diagnoses include:

• Cancer (all types)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• End-stage kidney or liver disease
• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Stroke with severe complications
• Parkinson’s disease

If you’re unsure whether your loved one qualifies, we’ll help you find out. Our team works closely with physicians to determine medical eligibility based on Medicare and Medicaid criteria.

Check hospice eligibility requirements - Hospice Eligibility Guidelines

James River Home Health & Hospice brings together medical expertise, personal care, and emotional support; all coordinated by one team and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans. Here’s what that looks like:

• Medical Management- Physician-led pain and symptom control, with our Medical Director overseeing your care plan and registered nurses providing 24/7 clinical support.
• Personal Care- Certified nursing assistants and CNAs/aides provide bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene assistance with dignity and respect.
• Emotional & Spiritual Support- Licensed social workers and chaplains help with emotional processing, advance planning, and spiritual care tailored to your family’s beliefs.
• Family Support– We teach you what to expect, how to provide care, and how to navigate difficult decisions with confidence.
• Social Care– Licensed social workers assist with care coordination, community resources, advance directives, and family counseling during this difficult time.
• Volunteer Support– Trained volunteers offer companionship, respite for caregivers, and light assistance to give families extra support.
• Bereavement Services– Grief counseling and support continue for up to 13 months after your loved one passes.

All this is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, which means families can access hospice care without financial burden.

Explore detailed information about these services. Explore: Care Services

Not every day looks the same. Medicare recognizes four levels of hospice care, and we adjust as your loved one’s needs change:

• Routine Home Care Regular visits from nurses and aides, with 24/7 on-call support. This is the most common level of care.
• Continuous Care Short-term, intensive nursing care at home (up to 24 hours a day) during a symptom crisis to avoid hospitalization.
• Inpatient Respite Care A brief stay (usually up to five days) in a contracted facility to give family caregivers a rest.
• General Inpatient Care Short-term inpatient care in a hospital or hospice facility for acute symptom management that can’t be handled at home. Our team manages transitions between levels seamlessly so you never have to navigate this alone.

Explore our levels of care in detail - The 4 Levels of Hospice Care