The First Conversation: No Pressure, Just Clarity
Hospice starts with a phone call to (855) 415-5744. You’re not committing to anything by calling. You’re simply talking to someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you figure out if hospice is the right choice for your family right now.
During this conversation, we’ll ask about:
- Your loved one’s current diagnosis and symptoms
- What treatments they’ve tried and how they’re responding
- What their doctor has recommended
- What kind of support your family needs most
If hospice isn’t appropriate yet, we’ll tell you honestly and help you explore other options. If it is the right time, we’ll explain the next steps and answer any questions you have.
Step 1: The Initial Assessment (Usually Within 24 Hours)
Once you’re ready to move forward, we schedule an in-person assessment, often within the same day or the next day. Families are often surprised by how quickly we can start.
A registered nurse from James River Hospice will meet with you and your loved one to:
- Review medical history and current symptoms
- Assess pain levels and comfort needs
- Discuss goals of care and what matters most to your family
- Verify insurance coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance)
- Create a personalized care plan
This visit usually takes 60-90 minutes. It’s unhurried, compassionate, and focused entirely on understanding your unique situation. You’ll have time to ask questions, express concerns, and talk through what you’re worried about.
Step 2: Building Your Care Team
Hospice isn’t just one nurse checking in once a week. You’ll have an entire team working together on your loved one’s care plan:
- Your Hospice Physician or Medical Director Oversees the medical care plan, coordinates with your primary doctor, and ensures symptom management is effective.
- Registered Nurse (RN) Your primary clinical contact who visits regularly, manages medications, monitors symptoms, and provides education and support.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Provides hands-on personal care like bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance, usually 2-3 times per week or more as needed.
- Social Worker Helps with advance directives, emotional support, community resources, and care coordination.
- Chaplain Offers spiritual care and counseling that respects your family’s beliefs, whether religious or secular.
- Volunteers Provide companionship, light assistance, and respite for family caregivers.
- Bereavement Coordinator Supports your family with grief counseling during and after your loved one’s passing.
You’ll meet your core team members early on, and everyone works together to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Step 3: Care Begins. Here’s What the First Week Looks Like
Within the First 24-48 Hours:
- Medical equipment arrives (hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, etc.)
- Medications for comfort and symptom management are delivered
- Your nurse completes a detailed care plan
- Your team schedules regular visits based on your loved one’s needs
- You receive 24/7 contact information for after-hours support
During the First Week:
- Your RN visits 1-3 times to ensure symptoms are controlled and the care plan is working
- Your CNA begins personal care visits (usually 2-3 times per week)
- Social worker and chaplain introduce themselves and assess needs
- You receive education on what to watch for and when to call
- Medications and care plan are adjusted as needed
Most families feel relief within the first few days. Pain improves. Anxiety decreases. And someone finally knows what’s happening and what to do about it.
As Needs Change, So Does Your Care
Hospice care isn’t static. We adjust your loved one’s care plan based on how they’re doing:
- If symptoms worsen, we can increase visit frequency, provide continuous care (up to 24-hour nursing), or arrange short-term inpatient care for acute symptom management.
- If symptoms stabilize, we continue routine care and monitor closely for changes.
- If your loved one improves, they can be discharged from hospice and re-enrolled later if needed. Hospice is always voluntary.
Learn more about the four levels of hospice care The 4 Levels of Hospice Care
What If We’re Not Ready Yet?
That’s okay. Hospice is always voluntary, and timing is a personal decision.
But here’s what we see when families wait too long:
- Uncontrolled pain and symptoms that cause unnecessary suffering
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations that could have been avoided
- Family caregivers pushed to physical and emotional exhaustion
- Missed opportunities for meaningful conversations and closure
Starting hospice doesn’t mean giving up – it means choosing comfort, support, and quality time while it’s still available.
Frequently Asked Question
Can we stop hospice if things improve?
Yes. If your loved one’s condition stabilizes or improves, they can be discharged and re-enrolled later if needed.
Do you provide care in assisted living or nursing homes?
Yes. Our team provides hospice care wherever your loved one lives – home, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities.
How long does hospice care last?
Hospice is available when life expectancy is six months or less, but many patients receive care for shorter or longer periods depending on how their illness progresses. Care continues as long as it’s needed and appropriate.
Read more hospice care questions – FAQs
Let’s Start the Conversation
Hospice care brings relief medically, emotionally, and practically. You’ll have a team of experts who know what to do, when to do it, and how to support your family through one of life’s hardest chapters.
Call us today at (855) 415-5744 or complete our form online to talk through your situation with a registered nurse. No pressure. No judgment. Just honest guidance about what hospice can do for your family.