Hospice & Palliative Care

Serving Connecticut for 25 years and counting

We are here to help ensure that your loved one can receive the care and attention they require without having to leave their home.



Our team has been helping families in Connecticut for over 25 years, and we have experience caring for individuals with a number of health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, MS, and more.

What is Hospice & Palliative Care?

The goal of both, hospice and palliative care, is to improve the quality of life and reduce the pain and suffering for those afflicted with serious health issues.


The key difference between the two is that hospice care is intended for those with a life expectancy of ~6 months or less. Because of this, hospice is often known as end of life care. Palliative care can be done for individuals at earlier stages who may not yet have the expectation of death.


One other key difference is that individuals receiving hospice care are generally no longer seeking curative treatments, whereas those receiving palliative care can receive it alongside curative treatments.


Both forms of care focus on managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional support for both the recipient and family, and 24-hour care and attention.



Please note: Connecticut In-Home Assistance does not provide medical care, which can only be performed by authorized medical professionals such as a doctor or nurse. Our team is intended to work alongside the medical personnel that you’ve already got to provide the full non-medical care and support that your family needs.


Hospice & Palliative Care are services offered by Connecticut In-Home Assistance
Hospice & Palliative Care at Connecticut In-Home Assistance includes 24-hour supervision and emotional support for the family.

How Long Does It Last?


There is no set time span for either form of care. Because patients on hospice are expected to have a life expectancy of 6 months or less, roughly 6 months is usually seen as the average duration – but it can continue on however long as needed until the individual passes. One example is former US president Jimmy Carter, who was on hospice for almost 2 full years.


The length of palliative care has more fluctuation with its time duration. Because palliative care is done earlier than hospice, it is possible that some individuals may switch to hospice later on, whereas some may make a full recovery and not need any further care at all.

How We Can Help

Because hospice and palliative care are intended for individuals with severe health issues, having a caregiver that has experience with these health conditions makes all the difference in the level of care and support that is being provided.


At Connecticut In-Home Assistance, our caregivers have extensive experience with providing hospice & palliative care for a number of health situations. Our team is here to help you and your loved ones make it through these trying times with dignity and provide the emotional support you need.


Please note: Connecticut In-Home Assistance does not provide medical care, which can only be performed by authorized medical professionals such as a doctor or nurse. Our team is intended to work alongside the medical personnel that you’ve already got to provide the full non-medical care and support that your family needs.



Next Steps

Finding help for your loved one is only one click away. In addition to over 25 years of experience with home care, we also offer assistance at all hours of the day, any day of the week, and with fully customizable schedules.


To learn more about how we can help you and your family, you can contact us directly by phone or by completing our message form below.

Hospice & Palliative Care services are available in-home through Connecticut In-Home Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At what stage of an illness should someone consider hospice or palliative care?

    Palliative care is an option to consider during any stage of a serious health condition due to its focus on pain management and symptom relief. 


    Hospice care is known as end of life care, and is usually for patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The goal of hospice care is to alleviate suffering and provide support in the final few months of life.

  • Can palliative care be provided alongside curative treatments?

    Yes. Because it can be done at the same time as curative treatments, palliative care can help with improving quality of life for those recovering from serious health issues.

  • Is hospice care only for people with cancer, or does it cover other conditions?

    Hospice is not only for those afflicted with cancer – hospice is an option for anyone with a terminal illness in which curative treatments are no longer pursued. Other examples include advanced heart disease, late-stage lung disease, ALS, dementia, end-stage kidney or liver disease, and complications from stroke. Hospice is focused on providing comfort-focused care and support, pain management, and emotional support to the loved one and their family.

  • What services are included in hospice and palliative care?

    Both hospice and palliative care include pain and symptom management, assistance with personal care, medication reminders, and full availability for safety and needs. Emotional support is also a key benefit for hospice and palliative care.

  • How do I know if my loved one qualifies for hospice or palliative care?

    Those with serious illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, kidney disease, dementia, etc. and who experience frequent hospitalizations are candidates for palliative care. Palliative care can be done at any stage; however, generally a doctor will determine whether or not the life expectancy of a person is less than 6 months for hospice.  With hospice, the candidate will no longer be seeking curative treatments whereas palliative care can be done alongside curative treatments.

  • Does Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cover hospice and palliative care?

    Medicare/Medicaid benefits can provide coverage for hospice or palliative care. Visit the Medicare website for more information.


    Private insurance plans can also cover hospice and palliative care, but this is highly dependent on the type of coverage, carrier, and other requirements. You will need to contact your insurance provider for more information.

  • Can a patient leave hospice care if their condition improves?

    Yes, it is possible for a person to leave hospice care such as if their condition improves or if they opt to receive curative treatments again. 

  • Who makes the decision to enter hospice and palliative care—the patient, family, or doctor?

    In most cases, a doctor will determine if a person is eligible for hospice if the person has a life expectancy of less than 6 months. Ultimately, the patient and their family has final say in whether or not they choose to pursue hospice care.


    Because palliative care can be done at any stage, the patient and their family are the main ones who decide when to start.

  • What kind of support does hospice provide for family members?

    In addition to the focus on physical needs such as pain management and symptom relief, hospice care provides emotional support for the individual and their family. A thorough hospice care plan provides respite relief for the primary caregiver(s), as well as education and training for families on how to care for their loved one.

  • Where can hospice and palliative care be provided—at home, in a hospital, or in a facility?

    Both Hospice and Palliative care can be done wherever the care recipient is located. Connecticut In-Home Assistance allows those receiving hospice and palliative care the benefit of receiving the care and support they need from the comfort of their own home in tandem with the rest of the patient’s care team.

  • How can I choose a reputable hospice or palliative care provider?

    Make sure that any hospice or palliative care provider you are considering is thoroughly licensed and certified to provide the hospice and palliative care specifically. In addition, be sure to ask them specific questions to make sure they have experience with the health conditions your loved one has. Financial questions such as costs and insurance are also important, and pay attention to how clear and timely they are with communication.

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