The first two days after hospice begins can bring new names, instructions, supplies and emotions. Families do not need to master everything at once. Use this short timeline to know what to gather, what to ask and when to call, while keeping the patient’s goals at the center.
At the first visit: make the plan clear
The first visit is a chance to listen, assess comfort and agree on practical next steps. Keep the patient’s medication list, allergies, clinician names, advance-care documents and preferred contacts nearby. Tell the nurse what the patient wants protected, which tasks feel difficult and what the household can realistically do.
Ask who is the main hospice contact, which number to use after hours, when the next planned visit is expected and how updates will be shared with the attending physician. Request plain-language explanations and write down names, phone numbers and questions that can wait for the next visit.
During day one: check the essentials
Ask what medications, supplies or equipment relate to the plan of care and what the household should do while an item is being arranged. Timing can vary, so ask which needs are most important to report first. Do not start, stop or change medicines, diets, oxygen or equipment settings without clinician direction.
Walk through the patient’s usual space. Keep the call number, medication list, water and needed personal items easy to find. Clear a safe path without removing objects that make the room familiar. Tell the team if a transfer, bathroom routine or caregiving task feels unsafe.
At any hour: know how to call
Hospice offers 24/7 on-call support for questions and urgent symptom guidance. On-call support is not continuous bedside nursing and does not promise an instant arrival. Ask what information to share, who answers after hours and what the documented care plan says about emergency services.
For urgent symptom changes related to the terminal illness, call the hospice team first unless the patient’s care plan directs otherwise. Follow the patient’s emergency plan when emergency services are needed. If a situation appears life-threatening, use the patient’s documented emergency instructions and tell responders about hospice involvement.
By the second day: make the checklist usable
Keep one shared note with the hospice number, the patient’s priorities, questions, meaningful changes and the guidance received. One caregiver can write while another stays with the patient. Include the patient in teaching and decisions as much as possible, and identify a backup contact if the primary caregiver needs rest.
The plan can be revisited. Ask the team to explain anything that remains unclear, including visit roles, equipment teaching, medication questions and who coordinates with the physician. A family does not need to solve every future decision during the first 48 hours; it needs a clear next call and a realistic plan for today.
Sources and further reading
Medicare.gov: Hospice Care
CMS: Hospice Care Coverage