What to Expect During Your First Week as a Hospice Patient
- Angelic Health
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Hospice care is designed to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing a terminal illness. It focuses on managing symptoms and offering support rather than curing illness. Understanding what to expect in your first week can help ease the transition. The first week of receiving hospice care can bring a mix of emotions—relief, uncertainty, and often fear of the unknown.
“You may feel overwhelmed when you first experience hospice care,” explained Marie Porreca, RN, director of clinical services at Angelic Health Hospice Care, “but it is also the beginning of a support system centered around you and your comfort. With the right team and care in place, hospice can bring peace, dignity, and compassionate care during one of life’s most vulnerable times.”
Initial Assessment and Care Planning
Once enrolled in hospice, a team of professionals—including a nurse, social worker, chaplain, and potentially a home health aide—will visit to assess your needs. This initial visit usually happens within 24–48 hours. They will review your medical history, current symptoms, medications, and discuss your personal goals and wishes. Once your loved one has died the bereavement coordinator is available for 13 months of bereavement support and may be consulted in situations that require pre–bereavement services for anticipatory grief.
Together, you and the hospice team will create a care plan tailored to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You may be asked about your preferred place of care (home, assisted living, or a facility), your comfort preferences, and how involved you want family members to be. Your plan of care should be individualized based on your wishes and values.
Pain and Symptom Management
One of the first priorities is managing physical symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or anxiety. A nurse will help adjust medications and therapies to improve your comfort. The hospice team may also provide equipment like a hospital bed, oxygen, or a wheelchair if needed. You will be provided with supportive education to assist your family/support person in working with the hospice team to manage your symptoms and support is available 24 hours per day. We are by your side in symptom management/care.
Medication Review and Delivery
Hospice will coordinate the delivery of medications related to your terminal diagnosis. You’ll likely receive a “comfort kit” with medications that can be used if symptoms become severe or unexpected changes occur. Your existing medications may be adjusted to better align with your care goals.
Visits from the Care Team
Throughout the first week, different members of the team will check in. Nurses may visit several times to monitor symptoms and teach caregivers how to provide care. A social worker may talk to you and your family about emotional needs, resources, and any legal or practical concerns like advance directives. If desired, a chaplain can offer spiritual support.
Support for the Family
“Hospice care includes emotional and practical support for your loved ones,” explained Porreca. Your caregivers will be taught how to manage daily care tasks, give medications, and recognize when to call for help. Respite care may be discussed, which allows caregivers a short break while the patient is temporarily cared for by others.
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Adjusting to hospice care is not just physical, but also deeply emotional. It’s normal to feel sadness, anxiety, or even relief. Your team is trained to help with these emotions. You’ll have access to counseling, spiritual guidance, and someone to talk to as you process your experience.
What Hospice Is Not
“Hospice does not mean giving up,” says Porreca. “It means focusing on comfort and quality of life. Many patients and families find that hospice improves their remaining time by removing the burden of aggressive treatments and focusing on meaningful moments.
Angelic Health is a premiere hospice care provider serving New Jersey and the greater Myrtle Beach, SC area. To learn more about Angelic Health Hospice visit our website at www.angelic.health, or give us a call toll free at 844-948-0645 with your questions and concerns.
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