A Practical Guide to Starting Hospice Services in Care Communities

As more people face chronic illnesses, the demand for hospice care continues to rise. In fact, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 49.1% of all Medicare decedents in 2022 received hospice care at the time of death, a percentage that has increased over the years. This is a powerful reflection of how families are seeking more compassionate options for end-of-life care.

When it comes to caring for seniors, care communities need to step up their game. As your residents age and their care needs evolve, offering hospice care services can be a meaningful way to extend your support. With the right hospice partners and DosePacker’s smart medication management solutions, your team can deliver seamless, end-of-life care while staying focused on what matters most: comfort, dignity, and connection. 

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What Is Hospice Care?

At its core, hospice care is about shifting the focus from cure to care. It’s a philosophy of care that focuses on enhancing the quality of life during a person’s final months, weeks, or days. The hospice team works closely with patients and their families to create a comprehensive care plan that supports the whole person, both physically and emotionally.

Hospice care typically includes:

• Pain and symptom relief for comfort
• Emotional and spiritual care for patients and families
• Caregiver education to help loved ones feel supported and prepared

While often confused with palliative care, hospice’s distinctness lies in its specific focus and timing. Palliative care can be given alongside curative treatments at any stage of illness. Hospice, on the other hand, is specifically for patients with a terminal diagnosis and a six-month prognosis, as determined by a physician. It also provides emotional and practical support for the patient’s family during this difficult time.

Bringing Hospice Care Into Your Community

If you’re part of a care team in a senior living or care community, chances are you’re already delivering essential daily support with heart. But as residents’ needs evolve, especially in their later stages of life, adding hospice services becomes a natural and necessary extension of your mission and a meaningful step toward becoming a trusted hospice care facility.

Partnering with licensed providers allows you to offer holistic, end-of-life care without reinventing your operations from the ground up. Whether you’re enhancing your current services or layering the groundwork for a future hospice care business, here’s how to get started: 

Build the Right Relationships

• Collaborate with reputable hospice providers in your area who share your values and standards.
• Make sure they are Medicare-certified and have strong track records in pain management, emotional support, and family communication.
• Schedule regular alignment meetings to stay in sync on care plans, medication protocols, and resident updates. 

Align Workflows and Roles

• Define roles early, who handles what: your care team and the hospice team. 
• Ensure smooth handoffs, especially during medication changes, symptom management, or emotional support transitions.
• Use shared communication tools like CareCommunityOS to keep everyone informed in real-time.

Prepare Your Staff and Space

• Offer staff training to help your team understand what hospice care involves and how to support it respectfully. 
• Designate quiet, comforting areas for family visits and hospice team collaboration.
• Review documentation and safety protocols to ensure compliance with hospice standards. 

Simplify with the Right Tools

Integrating another care layer doesn’t have to mean more complexity. By expanding into hospice services, you’re not just adding a new offering; you’re affirming your commitment to dignity, comfort, and compassion at every stage of life. 

Challenges of Hospice Care

Recognizing the hurdles of establishing hospice care allows you to plan wisely, build a strong support system, and provide the compassionate care your patients and staff deserve.

Some of the key challenges include:

• Emotional burnout is common among staff who form close bonds with patients and frequently experience loss, which can lead to higher turnover if not effectively managed
• Navigating complex family dynamics requires empathy and effective communication to manage diverse emotions and expectations
• Hospice care involves strict billing, documentation, and compliance rules that demand careful attention

How DosePacker Supports Hospice Facilities

At DosePacker, we’ve designed our solutions specifically to ease the pressure on care teams while enhancing patient comfort and safety. From medication storage to real-time care coordination, we help hospice providers simplify the complex.

CareCommunityOS

Managing hospice care involves more than just medication. It’s about communication, coordination, and clarity across the entire care team.

This comprehensive care community management software makes it easier to:

• Connect physicians, pharmacists, and caregivers in real-time
• Provide instant updates on patient medication needs and changes
• Streamline workflows, so teams spend more time on care, not catching up on charts

With CareCommunityOS, everyone stays on the same page, which is critical when every moment counts.

DosePacker Storage

Proper storage is essential for both safety and efficiency, especially in fast-paced hospice settings. Our DosePacker Storage solution offers: 

• Secure, organized compartments that eliminate mix-ups and clutter
• Custom labeling and sorting by dose, time, or patient
• Compact, accessible designs perfect for hospice rooms

DoseKart

DoseKart keeps medications organized and ready whenever they’re needed. It includes:

• A mobile cart system with drawers
• Lockable storage for added security and compliance
• Smooth transport so that caregivers can bring essential medications directly to the bedside without delay

Simplify Hospice Medication Management with Ease

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The Heart of Hospice Begins with You

Establishing a hospice care facility is a bold commitment to caring for people at one of life’s most vulnerable stages. Creating a space where patients feel seen, safe, and supported takes more than just good intentions; it takes preparation, empathy, and a team that’s aligned in purpose and care. The journey won’t always be easy, but the impact you’ll make on your future patients is immeasurable.

If you’re ready to turn that vision into reality, we’re here to help. DosePacker is here to support you, providing practical tools and smart solutions that make your day-to-day workflow smoother, allowing your team to focus on comforting and connecting with patients and families. Let’s build something meaningful together.