Patient care, translated
Our mission is to treat every patient with dignity and pure compassion.
Educational Guide to Hospice Care
Hospice is a special type of care for people who are facing a life‑limiting illness. Our focus is on comfort, dignity, and quality of life—not curing the illness. Below you’ll find clear answers about what hospice is, who is eligible, how hospice works, and the many ways our team supports you and your family.
What Is Hospice?
Hospice is a special type of care for people who are facing a life‑limiting illness. The focus is on comfort, dignity, and quality of life—not curing the illness.
Comfort Focused
We prioritize pain and symptom management to help our patients feel their best.
Support for Everyone
We care for the whole family—offering emotional and spiritual support every step of the way.
Where You Are Most Comfortable
Care is provided wherever the patient calls home—whether that’s a house, apartment, or facility.
Who Is Eligible?
Hospice care is for patients who:
• Have a life‑limiting illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course
• Have chosen comfort‑focused care instead of curative treatments
• Want to improve quality of life and spend more time with loved ones
How Hospice Works
Hospice care starts with a simple conversation. We work closely with the patient, family, and physician to create a personalized plan of care.
1. Referral – A doctor, family member, or caregiver refers the patient.
2. Evaluation – Our team evaluates the patient’s condition and needs.
3. Plan of Care – We develop an individualized care plan tailored to the patient and family.
4. Ongoing Support – Our team provides ongoing medical, emotional, and spiritual support, available 24/7.
Hospice 101: Good to Know
Is hospice the same as giving up?
No. Hospice is not about giving up. It focuses on quality of life so patients can live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Will insurance cover hospice care?
Yes. Hospice is usually covered by Medicare, Medi‑Cal, most private insurance plans, and with little to no out‑of‑pocket cost to you.
Can hospice care be provided at home?
Yes. Hospice care is often provided at home and in other settings, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Can hospice care start more than once?
Yes. Patients can leave hospice care, take a break if they need more curative‑focused services, and then return to hospice again in the future if needed.
What Hospice Care Really Means
Hospice is about living as fully and comfortably as possible. At Veranda Hospice and Palliative Care, we focus on comfort, dignity, and emotional support so patients and families can make the most of every day together.
Comfort & Symptom Relief
Our team carefully manages pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms so patients can feel steady, safe, and at ease.
Emotional & Spiritual Support
We walk beside patients and families with counseling, spiritual care, and regular check‑ins, helping everyone feel heard, supported, and less alone.
Our goal is simple: to keep our patients as comfortable, happy, and stable as possible for the remainder of their life. We bring care, education, and reassurance to every visit so families can focus on love and connection.
Our Edge
Family‑Centered Care
We believe every person deserves to feel respected, understood, and cared for. Our team works closely with you to honor your wishes, support your routines, and create calm, meaningful days.