07/30/2026
Three Things I Wish Every Family Knew About Hospice
One of the greatest privileges of my work is partnering with hospice teams. I am always in awe of what they do. They care for people and families during some of life's hardest moments with an incredible combination of skill, compassion, and grace.
Because of that, I hate seeing families surprised or frustrated by something they weren't expecting.
Just this week, I met with a family who expected that once hospice began, someone would be in the home with their loved one around the clock. They were overwhelmed when they realized that wasn't how home hospice typically works.
Here are three things I wish every family knew:
1. Hospice is not 24/7 in-home caregiving.
Hospice provides expert nurses, social workers, chaplains, physicians, and other professionals who guide care, manage symptoms, and support both the patient and the family. They are an incredible resource, but they aren't usually in the home all day.
2. Families often become the primary caregivers.
Between hospice visits, it is usually family members who help with meals, bathing, toileting, repositioning, medications, and simply being present. For many families, this is an act of love...but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting.
3. You don't have to do it alone.
One of the best partnerships I see is when hospice and private-duty caregivers work together. Hospice focuses on the medical expertise, symptom management, and emotional support that only they can provide. We help with the day-to-day personal care, household tasks, and companionship that allow family members to step out of the role of full-time caregiver and simply spend meaningful time with the person they love.
If you're facing decisions about hospice for someone in your family, my advice is simple: ask lots of questions. Understand what hospice provides, what it doesn't, and what additional support might help your family through the journey.
Have a question about caring for an aging parent or loved one?
Ask Josh: Text or call me at (407) 606-4010. If I know the answer, I'll share it. If I don't, I'll help you find someone who does.