Be Prepared to Ease the Transition to Compassionate End-of-Life Care

When a loved one is ready to begin hospice care, the last thing you want is confusion or delays. Understanding what documents and decisions are needed can make the transition smooth and stress-free. This guide will help you prepare everything you need for hospice admission—so you can focus on what truly matters: your loved one’s comfort and peace.

At Rapha Care Hospice, we walk alongside families through every step of the process. Here’s what to gather and consider before hospice care begins.

1. Required Documents for Hospice Admission

Having the proper paperwork ready helps us start care quickly and ensures the best plan is in place. You may be asked to provide the following:

• Doctor’s Referral or Certification of Terminal Illness
  A written statement from your loved one’s primary physician or specialist certifying a life expectancy of six months or less.
  
  
• Health Insurance Information
  Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cards to verify coverage. We handle the billing.
  
  
• Identification Documents
  Photo ID and Social Security number for the patient (or legal representative).
  
  
• Advance Directives or Living Will
  These documents outline the patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment and designate a healthcare proxy.
  
  
• Power of Attorney or Legal Guardianship (if applicable)
  Ensures that the appropriate person is making medical decisions on behalf of the patient.
  
  

📄 Don’t have all these documents? Don’t worry—our social workers can help guide you through what’s needed.

2. Key Decisions to Make Before Starting Hospice

Along with paperwork, families should be prepared to make a few important decisions:

• Choice of Hospice Agency
  You have the right to choose your hospice provider. At Rapha Care Hospice, we accept most major insurances and provide care wherever the patient calls home.
  
  
• Selection of Attending Physician
  The patient may continue with their regular doctor or choose our hospice medical director to oversee care.
  
  
• Designating a Healthcare Proxy or Power of Attorney
  If this isn’t already in place, you’ll want to choose someone you trust to make decisions if the patient is unable to communicate.
  
  
• Decisions About Care Location
  Hospice care can be provided at home, in an assisted living facility, or nursing home. In some cases, short-term inpatient care is available.
  
  
• Preferred End-of-Life Goals
  Consider the patient’s comfort, spiritual needs, and how they want to spend their remaining days.
  
  

3. Questions You Can Ask the Hospice Team

To feel confident about care, consider asking:

• What services are included in hospice care?
  
  
• How often will a nurse visit?
  
  
• Are medications and medical equipment included?
  
  
• How does hospice support family caregivers?
  
  
• Is 24/7 support available?
  
  

💬 Transparency matters—so we always take the time to explain everything in detail.

4. A Team Approach to Starting Care

At Rapha Care Hospice, we help you:

• Coordinate physician referrals
  
  
• Complete paperwork
  
  
• Review insurance coverage
  
  
• Understand care plans
  
  
• Schedule the first visit quickly
  
  

We often begin care within 24 hours of referral, including nights and weekends.

✅ Download Our Printable Hospice Admission Checklist

📄 Click here to download a simple one-page checklist to help you stay organized.

Let Us Make This Easier for You

Starting hospice doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Our compassionate team is here to guide you with clarity, dignity, and respect. We’re just a phone call away.

📞 Call us at (469)606-9110
📩 Refer a loved one