Hospice care in Chicago provides compassionate medical support and comfort for patients facing terminal illness. Our interdisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers delivers comprehensive end-of-life care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, ensuring dignity and quality of life during life’s final journey.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is specialized medical care for people with terminal illnesses who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Instead of focusing on curing disease, hospice focuses on comfort, pain management, symptom relief, and emotional and spiritual support for both patients and families.
Hospice is not about giving up hope—it’s about living as fully and comfortably as possible for whatever time remains, surrounded by loved ones in familiar surroundings rather than in a hospital setting.
Why Chicago Families Choose Hospice Care
With a population of approximately 2.7 million in the city and nearly 9 million in the greater metropolitan area, Chicago is home to diverse communities facing end-of-life care decisions. While Chicago has a younger median age (35.7 years) compared to many cities, approximately 13.6% of Chicago residents—about 365,000 people—are age 65 or older and may eventually need hospice services.
Chicago families choose hospice care for:
- Expert pain and symptom management at home
- 24/7 access to hospice nurses by phone
- Comprehensive support for the entire family
- Ability to remain in familiar surroundings
- Culturally sensitive care respecting diverse traditions
- No out-of-pocket costs under Medicare
Sources:
– [Neilsberg – Chicago Population by Age](https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/chicago-il-population-by-age/) (2019-2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates)
– [Chicago Tribune – Census 2024 Population Estimates](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/14/census-2024-population-estimates-chicago-area/)
What Our Chicago Hospice Customers Say
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I had 3 different hospice and Suncrest was the best
Susanna Pelle
May 19, 2025The communication and follow up was exceptional. Staff is genuinely caring, supportive, and professional.
John Macdonald
June 9, 2024Kind and compassionate people with great follow up. They helped my wife pass on with dignity.
Dan Johnson
June 9, 2024 -
I always recommend Suncrest to the families of my residents. The liason Logan is responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable. He always puts the families at ease. The nurses and aides are... read more
Kelly Velazquez
September 9, 2024I am a social worker at a long term care facility and always recommend Suncrest to families as they give great care to our residents! Our families and residents are... read more
Cheyenne Simpson
June 9, 2023Having both a personal and professional experience with hospice companies, I feel extremely confident in saying that Suncrest is the best hospice company that I know. The hospice representative, Logan... read more
Calli Cantrell
September 9, 2024 -
I highly recommend Suncrest Hospice. The staff is professional, caring, supportive and responsive. Logan is excellent to work with and highly respected in the community.
Cindy Caulfield - Realtor
December 9, 2024
Complete Hospice Services Throughout Chicago
Our Chicago hospice program provides a full range of services delivered by an experienced care team:
Medical Care
- Skilled Nursing: Regular visits from registered nurses who manage symptoms, provide medical care, and coordinate your treatment
- Physician Services: Hospice doctors oversee your care plan and make home visits when needed
- Pain Management: Expert control of pain using medications and complementary approaches
- 24/7 Nurse Access: Call anytime, day or night, weekends and holidays, to speak with a registered nurse
Personal Care and Support
- Hospice Aide Services: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal care
- Social Work Services: Counseling, advance care planning, and connection to community resources
- Chaplain Services: Spiritual support respecting all faith traditions
- Volunteer Services: Companionship, caregiver relief, and practical assistance
- Bereavement Counseling: Grief support for families for up to 13 months after death
Medications, Equipment, and Supplies
- All medications related to the terminal illness
- Medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen
- Wound care and personal care supplies
- Everything is delivered directly to your home
Our Chicago-Area Office Locations
We serve the greater Chicago area from two convenient locations:
Westmont Office
Phone: 630-743-6477
Fax: 630-743-6479
Email: info@suncrestcare.com
Northbrook Office
Phone: 847-983-0017
Fax: 847-983-0822
Email: info@suncrestcare.com
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care in Chicago?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care when:
- A doctor certifies the patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course
- The patient chooses comfort care instead of curative treatment
- The patient lives in our Chicago service area
Common diagnoses that qualify for hospice include advanced cancer, heart failure, COPD, dementia, kidney disease, liver disease, ALS, and end-stage stroke. If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies, call either of our Chicago-area offices for a confidential consultation.
Where Hospice Care Is Provided
We provide Chicago hospice care wherever you call home:
| Care Setting | What We Provide |
|---|---|
| Private Homes | Complete hospice services delivered to houses, condos, and apartments |
| Assisted Living Facilities | Coordinate with facility staff to provide full hospice care |
| Nursing Homes | Work alongside nursing home staff for comprehensive comfort care |
| Independent Senior Living | Bring all services to senior community residences |
Whether you live in a high-rise in the Loop, a bungalow in Bridgeport, a brownstone in Lincoln Park, or anywhere else in the Chicago area, our team comes to you.
Communities We Serve
Our Chicago hospice team provides care throughout the metropolitan area, including:
- Chicago (all neighborhoods)
- Naperville and Aurora
- Joliet and Elgin
- Schaumburg and Arlington Heights
- Evanston and Glenview
- Mt Prospect and Carpentersville
- Northbrook and Vernon Hills
- South to Monee
- And surrounding Cook County communities
Suncrest services areas are subject to change, if you’re unsure whether we serve your area, please contact us. We make every effort to reach patients throughout the greater Chicago region.
Medicare Coverage for Chicago Hospice Care
Medicare Coverage for Chicago Hospice CareMedicare Part A covers 100% of hospice services with no deductibles or copayments for most care. This includes:
- All nursing care and doctor visits
- All medications for pain and symptom management
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Hospice aide services
- Social work, counseling, and chaplain services
- Respite care (up to 5 days to give caregivers a break)
- Bereavement support for family members
- Hospice music therapy in Chicago
Medicaid and most private insurance plans also cover hospice services. Our Chicago staff handles all insurance verification and billing, so families can focus on spending meaningful time together.
How Hospice Care Works in Chicago
Getting started with hospice in the Chicago area is straightforward:
Step 1: Referral and Initial Call
Your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or family can call one of our offices. We’ll answer questions and explain how hospice works.
Step 2: Insurance Verification
We verify coverage with Medicare, Medicaid, or your private insurance—usually within hours.
Step 3: Admission Visit
A registered nurse visits your home (typically within 24 hours) to complete admission, assess needs, and create a personalized care plan.
Step 4: Care Begins
Medications, equipment, and supplies are delivered. Your nurse schedules regular visits, and you receive contact information for 24/7 support.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
Your team visits regularly, adjusts the care plan as needs change, and provides continuous support for as long as needed.
Chicago’s Diverse Communities
Chicago is one of America’s most diverse cities, home to vibrant Polish, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, African American, and countless other communities. From the historic neighborhoods along the lakefront to the bustling streets of Pilsen, from Rogers Park to Hyde Park, our hospice team respects and honors all cultural traditions, languages, and beliefs.
We provide culturally sensitive care including:
- Bilingual staff and translation services
- Respect for all religious and spiritual practices
- Understanding of cultural end-of-life traditions
- Sensitivity to diverse family structures and decision-making styles
- Dietary considerations and preferences
24/7 Support for Chicago Families
One of the biggest benefits of hospice is round-the-clock access to nursing support. Our Chicago-area nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
You can call anytime to:
- Ask questions about symptoms or medications
- Get guidance on what to do
- Request an urgent visit if needed
- Receive emotional support during difficult moments
- Get help during crisis situations
Whether it’s 2 PM on a Tuesday or 2 AM on a Sunday, a registered nurse will answer your call and provide the support you need.
Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Caring for a loved one at home is demanding work. Medicare covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care, allowing family caregivers to rest while their loved one receives 24-hour care in a facility.
Respite care is ideal when:
- Caregivers need a break to prevent burnout
- Family needs to travel for work or obligations
- Primary caregiver becomes ill
- The care situation at home becomes overwhelming
Hospice respite care in Chicago can be arranged quickly and is covered by Medicare with only a small daily copayment.
Common Questions About Hospice Care in Chicago
“Does choosing hospice mean giving up?”
No. Hospice is about living as fully and comfortably as possible. Many patients feel better on hospice because their symptoms are better managed, allowing them to enjoy time with family.
“Will hospice shorten my loved one’s life?”
Studies show hospice patients often live as long or longer than similar patients who don’t choose hospice, with significantly better quality of life.
“Can we change our mind?”
Yes. You can stop hospice care at any time and return to regular medical treatment, then re-enroll in hospice later if desired.
“What if they live longer than six months?”
Hospice care continues as long as the patient meets eligibility criteria. The doctor can recertify for additional benefit periods.
“Will we lose our regular doctor?”
You can continue seeing your regular doctor if you prefer. Our hospice doctors work alongside your current physician.
Serving Chicago’s Aging Population
While Chicago is known for its youthful energy and vibrant workforce, the city is also home to a substantial population of older adults. According to U.S. Census data, approximately 365,000 Chicago residents are age 65 or older, many of whom will eventually need hospice services.
Illinois is also experiencing significant growth in its senior population. By 2030, the state is expected to see a 76% increase in residents aged 65-74, an 80% increase in those aged 75-84, and a 65% increase in those over 85, according to research by the University of Illinois at Chicago.
**Source:** [UIC Today – Aging Illinois Report](https://today.uic.edu/elderly-transportation/)
When to Consider Hospice Care
Many Chicago families wait too long to start hospice. Consider hospice when:
- The patient has been in and out of the hospital frequently
- Treatments are no longer working or causing more harm than good
- The focus has shifted to comfort rather than cure
- The doctor says there are no more treatment options
- The patient wants to focus on quality of life
- Family caregivers are overwhelmed and exhausted
The earlier you start hospice, the more time your team has to help manage symptoms and provide support. Research shows patients who start hospice earlier have better outcomes and families report higher satisfaction.
Veterans and Hospice Care
Chicago is home to thousands of military veterans. If you’re a veteran receiving hospice care, you may be eligible for additional benefits including:
- Aid and Attendance benefits to help pay for care
- Veteran-specific volunteer services and recognition
- Honor ceremonies
- Assistance with burial benefits
Our social workers are experienced in helping veterans access these benefits. We’re honored to serve those who served our country.
What Families Say About Hospice
Most Chicago families who use hospice wish they had started sooner. Common feedback includes:
- “We felt so supported and less alone during an impossible time”
- “The nurses were like angels who always knew what to do”
- “My loved one was so much more comfortable at home than in the hospital”
- “We had precious time together that wouldn’t have been possible without hospice”
- “The grief support after death was invaluable for our healing”
Chicago’s Healthcare Landscape
Chicago is a major medical center with world-renowned hospitals and healthcare institutions. Yet sometimes the best place for end-of-life care isn’t a hospital—it’s home, surrounded by family, in familiar surroundings.
Hospice complements Chicago’s excellent medical facilities by providing specialized end-of-life care that hospitals aren’t designed to deliver. Our team works collaboratively with Chicago-area hospitals, physicians, and healthcare systems to ensure seamless transitions to home-based hospice care.
Getting Started with Chicago Hospice Care
If you or a loved one is facing a terminal illness and would benefit from hospice care, contact our Chicago hospice care. Our intake coordinators are compassionate professionals who understand what you’re going through.
We can:
- Answer your questions about hospice
- Verify insurance coverage
- Schedule an admission visit—often within 24 hours
- Provide information to help you make informed decisions
- Connect you with resources
Don’t wait until a crisis. Early referral to hospice gives us more time to build relationships, understand your needs, and provide the best possible care.
Why Choose Suncrest for Hospice Care in Chicago?
We’re committed to serving Chicago-area families with excellence, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Our team combines clinical expertise with genuine caring, treating every patient and family with dignity and respect.
From the neighborhoods along Lake Michigan to the western suburbs, from the North Shore to the south side, we’re honored to serve Chicago’s diverse communities during life’s most difficult transitions. When you choose our Chicago hospice program, you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares about your comfort, your wishes, and your family’s well-being.
Contact our Westmont or Northbrook office today to learn more about how hospice care can help your family.
