Hospice Care
Hospice is compassionate care for those facing a serious illness when the focus shifts from cure to comfort. Our island-based expert hospice team honors your choices and coordinates care to meet your needs. We are committed to supporting you and the people who matter most to you. Your quality of life is our priority.
Hospice Services At HPCMV
Nursing Care
Managing and monitoring symptoms of serious illness, and supporting and educating you and those involved in your care.
Social Workers
Supporting you and your family with guidance, resources, and compassionate listening as you navigate a serious illness.
Spiritual Care
Optional offering of presence, guidance, and support, tailored to honor your and your family’s beliefs and values.
Hospice Physicians
Managing your care and collaborating with your providers to focus on comfort, symptom relief, quality of life, and supporting your wishes.
Hospice Aides/CNAs
Providing hands-on personal care, assisting with activities of daily living, promoting patient comfort, coordinating care with your team.
Patient Care Volunteers
Offering companionship, respite time for caregivers, assistance with tasks and errands, tailored to your needs and preferences.
What to Expect from Hospice Care
Click the menu options on the left to learn more.
How Our Care Team Centers You
Hover over the different circles in the diagram to learn more about each Circle of Care
This model visualizes the Hospice support network for a patient and their family, emphasizing that care extends beyond just the hospice medical team.
Community Testimonials
Hospice Care FAQ
Who is eligible for Hospice care?
You may be eligible for Hospice care when:
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A doctor certifies that you likely have six months or less to live if your illness runs its normal course.
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You are no longer seeking curative treatment and instead want care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
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You have a life-limiting illness, such as advanced cancer, heart or lung disease, dementia, or other serious conditions.
Hospice care is available to people of all ages, although Medicare hospice coverage is only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents over 65 who qualify for hospice. At Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, we may be able to provide care for those facing serious illness, even when you are not Medicare eligible.
How do I receive Hospice care?
Let your doctors or nurses know if you’d like to learn more about hospice care. Hospice is there to support you and your family when curative treatment is no longer the focus, providing compassionate care tailored to your needs.
Hospice care can be provided in many settings, including your home, assisted living, nursing facility, or hospital, wherever you feel most comfortable.
The hospice team works alongside your current doctors to provide comprehensive support—not just for you, but for your whole family. This team offers expert symptom management, guidance on end-of-life care options, emotional and spiritual support, and help navigating the healthcare system with dignity and peace.
How is Hospice care paid for?
Hospice services provided by Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard may be reimbursed by Medicare or private insurance. However, because not all services are covered, our care depends on the generosity of our community. Our donors and volunteers make this work possible. We rely on fundraising and charitable contributions to sustain our mission and are deeply grateful to our friends and neighbors for their continued generosity.
Can I still see my doctors while on Hospice?
Yes, when you begin hospice care, you can still see your own doctors — especially if you wish to keep your primary care physician involved. However, electing hospice means you cannot continue to receive curative treatment from your doctors or specialists.
Hospice adds an extra layer of support with nurses, aides, social workers, and spiritual counselors who work alongside the patient’s existing doctors to manage symptoms and ensure comfort.
Where do I receive Hospice care?
Hospice care can be provided wherever you are most comfortable — whether it’s at home, in a facility, or in a hospital setting.
What are the benefits of Hospice care?
- Provides expert, compassionate care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life in the home or another preferred setting.
- Addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through a skilled interdisciplinary team to ensure comfort.
- Provides ongoing emotional and spiritual support, honoring each individual’s values, beliefs, and traditions.
- Supports families and caregivers with education, guidance, and respite to promote confidence and reduce stress.
- Coordinates care and communication with physicians and other providers and community resources to align treatment with each patient’s goals and wishes.
- Extends grief and bereavement support to families and loved ones for at least 13 months after a patient’s death.
- Assists with advance care planning to ensure preferences are clearly understood and respected.
Recommended Additional Resources:
Hospice Foundation of America
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides programs and resources for professional development, public education, research funding, and information on hospice, palliative care, caregiving, and grief.
Caring Info
CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care.
Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts
HPCFM’s mission is to advance and promote excellence in end of life care by: advocating for its members, patients, families and the end-of-life care giving community; providing education and enhancing awareness.