Hospice Care Checklist
Transitioning to end-of-life comfort care.
13 expert-curated steps · Organized by urgency · Free preview below
What most people ask first
What does hospice actually provide?
How do I prepare the family?
What legal documents should be in place?
Understand exactly what hospice provides
Hospice covers pain management, nursing visits, counseling, medical equipment, and medications related to the terminal diagnosis. It does NOT mean giving up.
Why this matters: Most families don't know the full scope. Hospice is comfort care that dramatically improves quality of life for both the patient and family.
Know what happens when death occurs
On hospice: call the hospice nurse, NOT 911. The nurse will come, pronounce death, and handle paperwork. If you call 911, paramedics may attempt resuscitation against the patient's wishes.
Why this matters: A podcast listener shared this was the most valuable advice she received — knowing this process in advance meant she wasn't panicking and Googling at 2am.
Choose a funeral home now
Research options, compare prices, and have a name and number ready. The funeral home will transport the body after death.
Why this matters: Making this decision under duress leads to overspending and regret. Having it decided in advance is a gift to yourself.
Confirm advance directives are signed and accessible
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), healthcare proxy, and end-of-life wishes. Make sure copies are with the hospice team, in the home, and with the healthcare proxy.
Why this matters: These documents ensure their wishes are honored. Without them, you may face agonizing decisions with no guidance.
Get power of attorney while they are still competent
A POA for finances lets someone pay bills, manage accounts, and handle legal matters. It must be signed while the person is mentally competent.
Why this matters: Once someone loses mental capacity, it's too late. Without POA, you'll need court-appointed guardianship — expensive and slow.
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