A Compassionate, Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Entering hospice care is a big decision, one that usually comes with a mix of emotions: relief, uncertainty, fear, and hope for comfort. Many families ask the same question: “What happens during the first week of hospice care?”
The truth is, the first week sets the tone. It’s when support begins, when the care team becomes an extension of your family, and when comfort becomes the top priority. This guide walks you through what you can expect so you feel more prepared, more confident, and less overwhelmed.
Why the First Week Matters
Hospice care focuses on comfort, quality of life, and emotional support for both the patient and their loved ones. The first week is all about stabilizing symptoms, building trust, and creating a personalized plan that honors the patient’s wishes.
What Happens in the First Week of Hospice Care
1. A Comprehensive Initial Assessment
Within the first 24–48 hours, a hospice nurse or care team member visits the home to get to know the patient’s needs. This includes:
- Reviewing medical history
- Understanding current symptoms
- Learning about the patient’s goals and preferences
- Talking to the family about concerns and routines
This is the foundation of the personalized hospice care plan, something that guides all care moving forward.
2. Creating a Personalized Care Plan
Hospice isn’t one-size-fits-all. The care plan may include:
- Pain and symptom management
- Medication schedules
- Equipment needed for comfort (hospital bed, walker, oxygen)
- Visit schedules for the nurse, home health aide, social worker, or chaplain
- Dietary adjustments
- Emotional and spiritual support
You’ll receive a clear guide about who will visit, how often, and what support is available 24/7. Most families feel a huge sense of relief after this step because it removes so much guesswork.
3. Delivery of Medical Equipment & Supplies
One of the biggest benefits of hospice care at home is having the right tools to keep the patient comfortable.
During the first week, expect delivery of:
- Hospital bed
- Wheelchair or walker
- Incontinence supplies
- Medication for pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms
- Oxygen equipment, if needed
Your hospice team will also teach you how to use everything safely, so you never feel lost or alone.
4. Meeting the Hospice Care Team
Hospice is a team effort, and the first week is when everyone gets introduced:
- Nurse (RN or LVN): Leads the care plan, monitors symptoms, adjusts medications
- Home Health Aide: Assists with bathing, grooming, and daily comfort
- Social Worker: Supports emotional needs, family guidance, community resources
- Chaplain/Spiritual Counselor: Provides spiritual or non-denominational support
- Physician/Medical Director: Oversees care and ensures comfort goals are met
This is when the relationship-building begins, something families often say becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the hospice journey.
5. Pain & Symptom Management Begins Immediately
Comfort is always the priority in hospice care. During the first week, the care team works to:
- Reduce pain
- Manage shortness of breath
- Ease nausea or restlessness
- Improve sleep quality
- Address anxiety or emotional distress
Many families notice improvements in comfort within the first few days because the team typically has more specialized training in end-of-life care than standard home health services.
6. Emotional Support for the Family
Hospice isn't just for the patient — it’s for you, too. In the first week, families usually speak with the social worker or chaplain to help navigate:
- Grief and anticipatory grief
- Family conflicts or communication challenges
- Coping with stress
- What signs and symptoms to expect
- Planning ahead for practical and emotional needs
You don’t have to carry everything alone. Hospice gives you a team that listens, guides, and walks alongside you.
7. Understanding the 24/7 Support Line
A major comfort for families is learning that help is always one call away.
In the first week, your hospice provider will give you access to a 24/7 on-call nurse who can:
- Answer questions
- Help manage sudden symptoms
- Decide whether a nurse should visit
- Offer step-by-step guidance during stressful moments
This alone brings peace of mind, especially during nighttime or weekends.
8. Guidance on What to Expect Next
The first week also includes education on:
- Changes you may notice in the patient
- How to respond to new symptoms
- When to call hospice
- How the team will adjust care as needs evolve
- What comfort-focused care looks like in the coming weeks
Learning these early helps families feel more confident and more prepared.
Common Questions Families Ask During Week One
Is hospice care only for the last few days?
No. Many patients receive hospice for months, not just days. The sooner hospice starts, the more comfort it provides.
Can hospice care be provided at home?
Yes, most hospice patients receive care at home surrounded by loved ones.
Will the hospice team replace our doctor?
Not necessarily. Hospice physicians work with your current doctor to support comfort-focused care.
Read more here: Hospice Care: What Is It and How Does It Work?
The First Week Is About Relief, Support & Comfort
The first week of hospice care can feel emotional, but it’s also when families start to feel a shift; a sense that they have help, guidance, and compassionate care every step of the way.
A good hospice team doesn’t just provide medical care. They give peace of mind, comfort, and support that feels personal.
If you’re considering hospice for a loved one, knowing what to expect can make the transition so much easier.
