Starting Hospice Care in Orange & Neighboring Counties

Choosing hospice is a loving decision that places comfort, dignity, and time together first. At Acacia, we live our patient-first promise with compassion in every interaction and clear guidance at every step. Families across Irvine, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, and the Coachella Valley trust our team to bring comfort, assurance, and care from the very beginning.

When To Consider Starting Hospice

You may be ready to consider hospice when:

• A physician estimates a life expectancy of about six months
• Treatments are no longer meeting your goals or side effects are too hard to manage
• Pain or symptoms are increasing and you want expert relief at home
• You and your family want more support, guidance, and time together

If you are unsure, contact us. We will help you compare hospice with palliative care or home health so you can choose what fits your goals.

How To Start Hospice Care

• Call Us Or Ask Your Doctor For A Referral – You can begin with a direct call to our Irvine office at (800) 993-9391 or our Palm Desert office at (760) 898-4308 . We also accept referrals from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
• Fast Eligibility Review And Benefit Check – We coordinate with your physician to confirm eligibility and review Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurance benefits. We explain what is covered and what to expect.
• In-Home Or Facility Assessment – A hospice nurse meets you where you live to learn your goals, review medications, and assess comfort needs. We talk through what matters most to you and your family.
• Your Plan Of Care – An interdisciplinary team creates a custom plan. You receive skilled nursing for pain and symptom management, social work support, chaplain services if desired, home health aide visits for personal care, and physician oversight. Your family is included in every decision.
• Quick Start Of Services – We arrange medications related to the hospice diagnosis, plus medical equipment and supplies. Our goal is same-day authorization and delivery whenever possible.

Who Can Refer To Hospice

• You or a family member
• Your primary care physician or specialist
• Hospital discharge planners and case managers
• Skilled nursing or assisted living staff

Not sure where to begin? Start with a conversation. We will guide you.

What To Expect In The First 48 Hours

• Clear communication – You receive direct phone numbers and 24-hour clinical phone support for questions or urgent concerns.
• Comfort plan in action – Your nurse adjusts medications for pain, breathlessness, nausea, and anxiety.
• Safety and setup – We deliver equipment such as a hospital bed or oxygen and teach your family how to use supplies.
• Education and support – We show caregivers how to provide safe, comfortable care and how to reach us any time.
• Advance care planning help – We can assist with documents such as living will, DNR, POLST, and healthcare power of attorney so your wishes guide every step.

What Is Covered

Most hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and many private insurance plans. Coverage typically includes:

• Clinical services. Nursing, social work, chaplain, home health aide, bereavement support
• Medications. Drugs related to the hospice diagnosis
• Equipment and supplies. Hospital bed, oxygen, commode, dressings, and more
• Crisis care. When symptoms require continuous attention

We verify benefits, handle authorizations, and explain any out-of-pocket items before care begins.

Why Start Hospice With Acacia

Families choose Acacia because we make things happen with a results oriented team, and we bring compassionate, expert care to your home. Explore more about our compassionate services here.

Acacia’s Goals For You:

• Help you get better at home by treating your illness or injury
• Regain your independence
• Become as self-sufficient as possible
• Educate you, your family or caregiver regarding your treatment, care options, and resources

How We Support Families

• Personalized care plans shaped around your goals and routine
• Symptom management for pain, breathing changes, anxiety, nausea, and more
• Emotional and spiritual support for patients and loved ones
• Caregiver education so you feel prepared and supported
• Respite options coordinated when available through your benefit
• Bereavement support for family members after a loss

Service Areas

We serve Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles County, including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and nearby areas. Explore our service locations here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to start hospice? Most patients can begin within 24 to 48 hours of contacting us. In urgent situations, we work to begin services as soon as possible.
• Who pays for hospice care? For eligible individuals, hospice is typically covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most private insurance plans. Coverage generally includes the hospice team, routine visits, hospice-related medications, supplies, and equipment. We verify benefits and explain any costs before services begin.
• Do I have to give up my current doctor? You can keep your primary physician involved. Our hospice medical director also supports the plan of care.
• Can I stop hospice once I start? Yes. You can stop hospice at any time. If needs change, you can resume later if eligible.
• Where is care provided? Care is provided wherever you live. We serve families in Irvine, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and the Coachella Valley.