Hospice Services

Hospice services are for people with advanced illness. The goal of hospice is to relieve physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. Hospice helps make patients as comfortable as possible. This is called “comfort care.” 

How hospice works
The patient, family members, hospice doctors and the patient’s doctors make a care plan to meet the needs of the patient. When patients and families get the comfort and support they need, they often find that life takes on new meaning, even at life’s end.

You may want to consider hospice care when treatment is no longer working, or when treatment does not seem to be improving your quality of life. You can talk with your doctor or medical team to determine if comfort care is an appropriate choice for you. Hospice offers in-home care as well as in long-term care, assisted living and group homes.

Hospice care consists of a team of professionals that include:

• The patient’s doctor
• The hospice doctor
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Certified Home Health Aides
• Chaplains and counselors
• Trained volunteers

Is there a fee for hospice?
Most insurance companies pay for hospice. Ask your insurance provider or a social worker at Washington Cancer Institute about paying for hospice.

Patients and their families can choose which hospice provider they prefer.

Below are some hospice options:

• Community Hospice: 202-877-6176
• Community Hospice of Washington: 202-895-2600
• Calvert Memorial Hospice Program: 410-535-0892
• Capitol Hospice: 703-538-2065
• Mary Washington Hospice: 540-741-1667
• Montgomery Hospice: 301-921-4400
• St. Mary’s Hospice: 301-475-8000
• Vitas: 202-638-2450, Referrals: 800-938-4827