Hospice Supportive Care

PlatinumCare + provides top-notch home healthcare services to the residents of Boston, Massachusetts and its surrounding areas. From retired executives to industry giants, lawyers, doctors, politicos, or anyone in-between – all our clients are guaranteed exceptional service that is delivered with our unrivaled professionalism and confidentiality.

At PlatinumCare +, our passion and dedication are to bring loving, compassionate care into the homes of those most deserving. Our home health services provide not just healthcare support but real comfort when they need it the most – just like extended family offering love & comfort. We strive to embody that caring connection daily with every client we serve!

What is At-Home Hospice Care?

At-home hospice care is a type of medical care that is provided to individuals who are terminally ill and who wish to receive treatment and support in the comfort of their own homes. This type of care is often provided to people who have a life expectancy of six months or less and who are no longer seeking curative treatment for their illness. Hospice care is designed to manage pain and all related symptoms, provide emotional and spiritual support, and improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

At-home hospice care is typically provided by a team of professionals that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. The team works closely with the patient and their family to create a care plan that meets their specific needs and preferences. At-home hospice care may include a range of services, such as symptom management, pain control, emotional and spiritual support, bereavement counseling, and home safety assessments.

Hospice care at home is an alternative to hospital-based or inpatient hospice care, and it allows patients to receive end-of-life care in a familiar and comfortable setting. It can also be more convenient for family members, as they can be involved in the patient’s care and support them at home.

How Do You Know When a Person is Ready for Hospice Care?

There are several factors that may indicate that a person is ready for hospice care. Some common signs that a person may be ready for hospice include:

A terminal diagnosis: Hospice care is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and who have a life expectancy of six months or less.

A decline in physical function: If a person is experiencing a significant decline in physical function, such as difficulty performing daily activities, difficulty breathing, or severe pain, they may be ready for hospice care.

A desire for comfort-focused care: If a person is no longer seeking curative treatment for their illness and is instead focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, they may be ready for hospice care.

A need for emotional and spiritual support: Hospice care teams are trained to provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, and this may be a key factor in determining if a person is ready for hospice care.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be ready for hospice care, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with them and their healthcare team. Together, you can assess the person’s needs and determine the best course of care.

We go to great lengths to seek, select & train our caregivers so that they can in turn give the most caring & professional service to our clients.

Hospice Supportive Care in Marlborough, MA | Platinum Care +

Providing exceptional Hospice Supportive Care in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston, and surrounding areas in Massachusetts.

What Happens When a Person Goes in to Hospice Care?

When a person goes into hospice care, they will receive specialized medical care and support that is focused on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their family. Hospice care is typically provided by a team of professionals that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers.

Here are some specific things that may happen when a person goes into hospice care:

A care plan will be developed: The hospice care team will work with the patient and their family to create a care plan that meets their specific needs and preferences. This plan may include a range of services, such as symptom management, pain control, emotional and spiritual support, and bereavement counseling.

Medical equipment and supplies may be provided: The hospice care team may provide medical equipment and supplies, such as oxygen tanks or medication, to help manage the patient’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The patient will receive visits from the hospice care team: The hospice care team will visit the patient on a regular basis to provide medical care and support. The frequency of these visits may vary depending on the patient’s needs.

The patient may receive hospice care in a variety of settings: Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including in the patient’s home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital. It is important for patients and their families to discuss their care preferences and options with their healthcare team to determine the best setting for their needs.

Overall, the goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to the patient and their family during this difficult time, and to help them make the most of their remaining time together.

Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What is the difference?


We often get asked about the differences between hospice and palliative care. Here’s a quick explanation! Hospice is provided to patients with a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, while palliative care can be provided to anyone experiencing a severe illness. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and quality of life, while hospice focuses on end-of-life care, pain alleviation or symptom relief.

Feel better in the comfort of your own home. We specialize in care and daily living assistance to an array of individuals.

Hospice Supportive Care in Marlborough, MA | Platinum Care +

Does Hospice Supportive Care Help with Bathing?

Yes, hospice care can include assistance with bathing. Many people who are facing a terminal illness may need help with daily activities, such as bathing, due to physical limitations or fatigue. Hospice care teams are trained to provide a range of supportive services to meet the needs of patients and their families, and this can include assistance with bathing.

The specific type of assistance with bathing that is provided may vary depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. For example, a hospice care team member may help the patient take a bath or shower, or they may provide sponge baths as needed. The care team may also provide assistance with other personal care tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and toiletry needs.

It is important for patients and their families to discuss their care needs and preferences with the hospice care team to ensure that they receive the support and assistance they need. The hospice care team is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and their families, and they will work with the patient and their family to create a care plan that meets their individual needs and preferences.

Does Medicare Pay for Hospice Care?

Yes, Medicare provides coverage for hospice care. Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that is available to people who are 65 years of age or older, as well as to certain younger individuals with disabilities.

Medicare covers hospice care as a benefit under its Part A (Hospital Insurance) program. To be eligible for Medicare coverage of hospice care, the patient must have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less and must elect to receive hospice care instead of curative treatment for their illness.

Medicare covers a range of hospice services, including:

  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • Medications for symptom management and pain control
  • Inpatient and outpatient respite care (short-term stays in a hospice facility or hospital to give the primary caregiver a break)
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Social work and chaplain services

Medicare does not cover certain services that are considered to be curative in nature, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, Medicare will continue to cover other treatments that are not related to the terminal illness, such as treatment for a non-terminal illness or injury.

It is important to note that Medicare coverage for hospice care is limited to the hospice benefit period, which is typically 90 days. The benefit period may be extended in certain circumstances, such as if the patient’s condition improves and they are no longer eligible for hospice care, and then worsens again.

We understand that not one care plan fits all. We will take the time to get to know you and develop an individualized care plan.

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