What Hospice Does Not Tell You | 5 Real Truths Every Family Should Know
1. You Have More Control Than You Think
- Most people don’t realize you can choose your hospice provider, your team, and even the timing of visits.
- Families can ask for more (or fewer) visits, request to change nurses, or get extra therapies (like massage or music).
- You can revoke hospice at any time and resume curative treatments if you wish.
2. Insurance Covers Most Costs, But There May Be Surprises
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most private plans cover almost all hospice costs.
- Some supplies (certain medications, special equipment, respite care) may lead to out-of-pocket fees.
- Always ask for a detailed list of what’s included. Get a cost estimate before starting.
3. Time With Your Care Team Varies
- Some families expect daily or round-the-clock visits. Hospice provides frequent care, but not full shifts.
- Visits depend on patient needs and change week to week.
- If you need more time, ask. Extra visits can sometimes be arranged.
4. Support Continues After Death
- Bereavement and grief support are available to family members for at least a year after a patient’s passing.
- Many people don’t know this is included; others don’t know how to access it.
- Ask your hospice social worker for details.
5. Not Every “Service” is Automatic
- Therapies like massage, pet visits, or spiritual counseling are often available, but not every hospice offers every service automatically.
- Request anything you need, your care plan can be customized.
What to Expect With Suncrest Hospice: Our Process
1. Initial Call and Consultation
- Contact Suncrest 24/7.
- Our nurse or care manager explains your options and answers your hardest questions.
2. Personalized Hospice Assessment
We provide a personalized assessment as the next step in your hospice journey. One of our experienced nurses or care managers visits you at home, in assisted living, or at the hospital to evaluate your loved one’s needs.
During this assessment, we:
- Discuss the patient’s current symptoms, comfort goals, and daily routines
- Answer your questions openly about “what hospice does not tell you” and explain every detail of the process
- Review available services such as pain management, emotional support, and specialty therapies
- Identify what matters most to the patient and family, making sure your priorities set the tone for care planning
This assessment is your time to speak up.
We want to hear your concerns, preferences, and uncertainties.
Every care plan we develop at Suncrest is based on your real needs and wishes, not a standard checklist. If there’s something you don’t understand or if you want extra support, just ask. We put everything on the table, so nothing is left unsaid.
3. Team Assignment and Start of Care
- You meet your team: nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain.
- Care begins right away and changes as your needs change.
4. Ongoing Family Support
- Families get regular updates, education, and counseling when requested.
- After a loved one passes, bereavement support continues.
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There are no words to express my deep appreciation for Suncrest Hospice and its staff, Justin, Elise Sy, Jerry Wu, Carl & Silvia, gave such comfort to my mom at... read more
Nina Mimnaugh
June 10, 2024Lanaia and Suncrest hospice team is amazing! Our staff looks forward to seeing the blue van each time it arrives with snacks and refreshments. It’s such a thoughtful and appreciated... read more
Janice Gombio
November 10, 2024I am so blessed/thankful for the Suncrest Family. They truly care about their staff and provide exceptional clinical care.
Theresa
June 10, 2018 -
By far the best Hospice provider in our local market. The intake teams are prompt with getting services started and the care providers are 5-star quality. As a Senior Living... read more
Jessica Fowler
June 10, 2023Having had experiences with other Hospice companies, Suncrest San Jose is the very best. Although nothing is perfect, my Mom's experience was impressive. From the Doctors to the nurses to... read more
Paul Hammons
June 10, 2023I love the service. They super supportive and good listeners. Highly recommended.
Jodi Satorre-Aquino
May 10, 2025 -
The personnel is so kind. This company's employees are just one big family. The care they provide is first class. The peace that the employees transmit is amazing. God bless... read more
Maria Morales
June 10, 2016Our nurse, An H has been incredible to us. The best bedside demeaner with my Mother, teaches us all the skills in keeping Mom comfortable and always responsive and available... read more
Bruce Yano
July 10, 2024I Volunterr with Suncrest and its such nobel cause this team is doing the work. Very professional and well managed facility to help needy patients on time. Glad i... read more
Jyothi
September 10, 2024
Ready for Honest Hospice Answers? Call Suncrest for Support
At Suncrest, our mission is to support you with complete transparency and genuine care. If you want straight answers about what hospice will and won’t do, call us now or fill out our online form.
Contact Suncrest Hospice now for honest advice and complete care. Your family deserves to know everything.
What Hospice Does Not Tell You | Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which services are included with hospice?
Your care team provides a detailed care plan including covered services and optional add-ons.
Will my loved one have someone with them at all hours?
Hospice visits are scheduled based on need. If you want 24/7 presence, talk to your care team about options for extra support.
Can I switch hospice providers if I’m unhappy?
Yes. You can change providers anytime, even after care begins.
What should I look out for when choosing a hospice?
Ask about visit frequency, special therapies, out-of-pocket costs, and family support options.
