hospice at home | Hospice, Palliative & Home Health Care In Southern California

Things Families Stop Worrying About Once Hospice Care Begins

June 22, 2026 by Acacia Hospice and Palliative Services

When hospice care begins, families often discover something they didn’t expect: relief. The hospice team takes over a long list of tasks that family caregivers have been handling alone, sometimes for months, sometimes for years. From managing medications and medical equipment to navigating 2 a.m. emergencies, hospice exists to make sure your family doesn’t have to carry all of it anymore.

This guide walks through the things families most commonly stop worrying about, and why that shift matters.

Managing Medications. Before hospice, medication management often falls entirely on the family. That means tracking multiple prescriptions, watching for side effects, knowing when to call the doctor, and figuring out what to do when a medication isn’t working. Once hospice starts, the hospice physician or nurse practitioner takes ownership of the medication plan. Prescriptions related to the terminal diagnosis – including pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and comfort-focused drugs – are covered under the Medicare hospice benefit and managed by the hospice team. Families are still informed and involved. But they are no longer alone in figuring it out.
Not Knowing What to Do in a Crisis. Hospice replaces that uncertainty with a clear line of support. Families have 24/7 access to their skilled nursing team, with a nurse available by phone at any hour and on-call visits when symptoms escalate. You don’t have to make the call to 911 and hope for the best – you have a team that knows your loved one, knows the plan, and can respond quickly. For families who have been white-knuckling through every difficult night, this alone can feel life-changing.
Coordinating Between Multiple Providers. Before hospice, many families are the unofficial project managers of their loved one’s care. They relay information between the primary care physician, the specialist, the hospital, and the pharmacy. They catch things that fall through the cracks. They follow up when no one else does. Once hospice begins, that coordination shifts to the hospice team. Your hospice social worker and registered nurse communicate directly with other providers – with your permission – and align all aspects of care under one plan. The goal is for nothing to get lost, and for you not to be the one chasing it down.
Sourcing and Managing Medical Equipment. Wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, bedside commodes, wound care supplies – this equipment is essential for comfort at home. Under the Medicare hospice benefit, durable medical equipment related to the terminal diagnosis is covered and arranged directly by the hospice team. Equipment typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours of enrollment. When needs change – as they often do – the team adjusts. Families no longer have to call suppliers, fight with insurance, or wait for delivery windows. It’s handled.
Worrying About Pain Going Unmanaged. Hospice is built around comfort. Pain assessment happens at every nursing visit. The hospice care team adjusts medications proactively, and the goal is not to wait until pain becomes severe before responding. Family members are also educated on what to watch for and what to do, so they feel equipped rather than helpless. Families who’ve felt guilty about not doing enough to manage a loved one’s pain often find enormous relief in having a clinical team whose entire focus is on keeping their loved one comfortable.
Navigating Benefits and Insurance Paperwork. Medicare paperwork, VA benefits coordination, insurance authorizations – the administrative side of serious illness can be overwhelming for families who are already exhausted. The hospice social worker helps families understand what benefits apply, how to access them, and what they may not have known to ask about. For veteran families, this includes coordination with VA programs, survivor benefits, and memorial honors. Learn more about hospice care for veterans and how benefits coordination works.
Feeling Responsible for Every Physical Task. Bathing, repositioning, personal hygiene, wound care – these are deeply personal tasks that families often take on out of necessity, not training. For many caregivers, performing these tasks is both physically demanding and emotionally complex. Hospice aides – certified home health aides (CHHAs) – provide personal care visits to assist with hygiene, comfort, and activities of daily living. Their presence relieves family members of the physical caregiving load while ensuring that hands-on care is delivered with skill and dignity.
Feeling Alone With the Emotional Weight. Grief doesn’t wait until someone passes. It begins the moment a family realizes what is coming. And it is remarkably isolating – hard to talk about with friends, difficult to process while still in caregiving mode, and often invisible to the outside world. Hospice brings spiritual care and emotional support directly to your family. Chaplains, counselors, and social workers are part of the interdisciplinary team, and their support is available to both the patient and their loved ones throughout the care journey. The bereavement care hospice provides doesn’t end at death, either – it continues for at least 13 months after a loss, with check-ins, counseling, and connection to community resources.
Second-Guessing Whether Hospice Was the Right Choice. Many families delay hospice because they worry it means giving up. Once they begin, a number of them say the same thing: I wish we had started sooner. That’s not a statement about losing hope. It’s a statement about what hospice actually provides – and how different it feels to have your family supported rather than isolated inside one of the hardest experiences of your life. If you’re still uncertain about whether it’s the right time, these two resources can help: How Do You Know When Hospice Is the Right Choice?
Managing Caregiver Burnout Alone. Hospice includes respite care – short-term inpatient care for your loved one that gives family caregivers a planned, covered break. Under Medicare, up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care are available at a time, at little to no cost to the family. Taking that break is not abandonment. It is how caregivers stay well enough to keep showing up.

What Doesn’t Change When Hospice Begins

Hospice takes on a great deal – but it doesn’t take anything away from families. You remain the decision-makers. You remain the people who know your loved one best. You remain the ones whose voice matters most in the room.

What changes is that you no longer have to carry the clinical, logistical, and administrative weight of serious illness by yourself. A full interdisciplinary team stands beside you: nurses, aides, a social worker, a chaplain, a physician, and volunteers – all of them oriented toward your family’s comfort and well-being.

To understand how that team works together, read: Who Is on a Hospice Care Team? Meet the People Supporting Your Family

You Don’t Have to Keep Doing This Alone

If you’ve been managing your loved one’s care largely on your own, hospice may offer more support than you realize. And accessing that support doesn’t require a crisis – it requires only meeting the eligibility criteria for the hospice benefit.

Review Acacia’s hospice eligibility guidelines to see if your loved one may qualify, or call (800) 993-9391 to speak with a care coordinator. Acacia Hospice & Palliative Services serves families across Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Ventura County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does starting hospice mean the family is no longer involved in care decisions? No. Families remain central to every care decision. Hospice works alongside families, not instead of them.
What if we change our minds after starting hospice? Hospice is entirely voluntary. Families can choose to leave hospice at any time. Learn more: Hospice Care Is Voluntary, Not a Contract
Does hospice provide support for family members, not just the patient? Yes. The hospice benefit is for the entire family unit – not just the person enrolled in hospice.
Does Medicare cover all of these hospice services? Most services described in this article are covered under the Medicare hospice benefit when eligibility criteria are met. For a detailed breakdown: What Medicare Covers in Hospice Care (And What It Doesn’t)
When is the right time to ask about hospice? Earlier than most families think. If a loved one has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course, they may qualify. An earlier start means a longer period of support for the whole family.

Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient Hospice: How the Two Compare

May 18, 2026 by Acacia Hospice and Palliative Services

Hospice at home and inpatient hospice are two settings within the same Medicare benefit. Hospice at home brings a care team to wherever the patient lives, including a private residence, assisted living, or nursing facility. Inpatient hospice is short-term care in a hospital, hospice inpatient unit, or skilled nursing facility used when symptoms cannot be managed safely in the home setting.

Most people receive routine hospice care at home, with inpatient care available if a symptom crisis requires it. Coverage, services, and the care team stay largely the same in both. You can learn more about the 4 levels of hospice care under Medicare and how each setting fits together.

What “Hospice at Home” Actually Means

Hospice at home, also called routine home care under Medicare, is the most common level of hospice. Your loved one stays in their familiar environment, and the hospice team visits on a scheduled basis to provide medical, emotional, and practical support.

“Home” can mean:

A private residence
An assisted living community
A long-term care or nursing facility
A family member’s home

The hospice agency does not change based on where the patient lives. The same registered nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers visit, regardless of address.

What’s included at home

Visits from nurses, hospice aides, social workers, and chaplains
Medications related to the hospice diagnosis
Medical equipment such as hospital beds, oxygen, and wheelchairs
Supplies including wound care, incontinence, and personal care items
24/7 on-call nurse access for symptom changes or questions
Bereavement support for the family during care and for 13 months after a loss

What “Inpatient Hospice” Actually Means

Inpatient hospice is a short-term, higher level of hospice care used when symptoms cannot be safely managed at home. Under Medicare, this is called General Inpatient Care (GIP), and it usually takes place in:

A hospital with a hospice contract
A freestanding hospice inpatient unit or “hospice house”
A skilled nursing facility with hospice contract beds

Some families also use the phrase “inpatient hospice” more loosely to mean any hospice care provided inside a facility. That can include a patient who lives in a nursing home and receives routine home-level hospice services there. The setting looks similar, but the Medicare level of care is different. Knowing the difference helps families plan and avoid surprise bills.

When inpatient hospice is used

Inpatient hospice is intended for acute symptom management, not long-term residential care. Common reasons include:

Severe pain that does not respond to home medications
Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, or seizures
Agitation or delirium requiring close monitoring
Complex wound care that needs round-the-clock nursing
Respiratory distress that needs continuous adjustment

Once symptoms are stabilized, the patient typically returns home or to their long-term residence and resumes routine hospice care.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Hospice at Home	Inpatient Hospice
Setting	Patient’s residence (home, assisted living, nursing facility)	Hospital, hospice unit, or contracted facility
Medicare level of care	Routine Home Care	General Inpatient Care
Length of stay	Ongoing, as long as patient is eligible	Short-term, until symptoms stabilize
Care frequency	Scheduled visits, 24/7 on-call nurse	Around-the-clock nursing on-site
Who provides care between visits	Family, aides, or facility staff	Facility nursing staff
Best for	Stable symptoms, comfort-focused daily care	Acute symptom crisis or complex needs
Medicare coverage	Fully covered with eligibility	Fully covered with eligibility
Room and board	Patient’s responsibility if in assisted living or nursing facility	Covered during GIP stay

For a deeper look at how each setting fits the Medicare hospice benefit, visit our Compare Care Options page.

How to Decide Which Setting Is Right

The decision usually starts with a few practical questions about safety, support, and your loved one’s wishes.

Are symptoms manageable at home right now? If pain, breathing, and other symptoms can be controlled with home medications and scheduled nurse visits, hospice at home is typically the right starting point. Most patients begin and remain here. If symptoms become acute, your hospice team can arrange a short inpatient stay and then transition back.
Who is available to help between nursing visits? Routine home hospice assumes there is a primary caregiver present, whether that is family, a paid aide, or facility staff. If no one is available to provide day-to-day support, the team will help you explore options, including assisted living placement combined with home-level hospice services.
What does your loved one want? Many patients prefer to stay in familiar surroundings. Others feel more comfortable knowing nurses are steps away around the clock. Both choices are valid. Walking through this conversation early reduces stress later.
Has the doctor recommended a specific level of care? The hospice medical director and your loved one’s physician will recommend a level of care based on clinical needs. You don’t have to choose this on your own. If you’re still weighing whether it’s time to begin hospice at all, read: Who Qualifies for Hospice? Medicare Eligibility Guide.

Cost and Coverage

For most families, Medicare Part A covers both settings when the patient meets hospice eligibility guidelines. Medicaid and many private insurance plans offer similar coverage.

What is covered in both settings:

Hospice clinician visits and 24/7 on-call support
Medications related to the terminal diagnosis
Medical equipment and supplies
Spiritual, emotional, and bereavement support

What’s different:

At home, if your loved one lives in an assisted living community or nursing facility, room and board is paid separately by the family, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid (where eligible).
In inpatient hospice during a General Inpatient Care stay, room and board is included as part of the covered benefit.

If you have questions about coverage, our team can walk through your specific situation in plain language.

Moving Between Settings Is Common

Hospice is not a one-time decision. Many families start at home, use inpatient care briefly during a symptom crisis, and return home once their loved one is stable. Others transition from home to a hospice unit in the final days when more intensive support is helpful. The same hospice agency follows the patient through each setting, so the care team and care plan stay continuous.

This is one of the reasons working with a locally owned, responsive hospice provider matters. When the setting changes, you want a team that knows your loved one already.

Take the Next Step at Your Pace

If you’re not sure whether home or inpatient hospice is right, you don’t need to decide today. Most families start the conversation with a phone call and a simple eligibility review. Our team listens first, explains your options, and helps you take the next step when you’re ready.

Talk with our care team: Call (800) 993-9391, day or night
Schedule a care consult: Book a no-obligation conversation at a time that works for you

You are not expected to have all the answers. We are here to help you find them.

What Most People Get Wrong About Hospice

March 2, 2026 by Acacia Hospice and Palliative Services

Hospice care is one of the most misunderstood services in all of healthcare. Misconceptions about what it is, who it is for, and what it actually involves cause many families to delay asking for help, sometimes until it is too late to benefit fully.

This guide addresses the most common hospice myths directly and replaces them with clear, accurate facts so you can make the decisions that are right for your loved one without fear or confusion.

The Myths Standing Between Families and the Support They Deserve

When a doctor first mentions hospice, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. And in that raw, uncertain moment, the last thing you need is misinformation making an already difficult situation even harder to navigate.

The truth is that many of the things families believe about hospice, where it happens, who it is for, what it costs, and what it means, are simply not accurate. These misunderstandings are widespread, deeply rooted, and they have real consequences. Families wait too long, patients miss out on weeks or months of better comfort and support, and caregivers carry burdens they did not have to carry alone.

You deserve accurate information. Here is what the facts actually say.

Myth #1: Choosing Hospice Means Giving Up

This is perhaps the most common and the most harmful myth surrounding hospice care. Many families resist even the word “hospice” because it feels like surrendering, like saying there is nothing left worth fighting for.

The fact: Hospice is not about giving up. It is about shifting the goal of care from curing a disease to living as comfortably and meaningfully as possible with the time that remains. That is not defeat. That is a deeply human and often courageous choice.

Hospice focuses on quality of life, pain management, emotional support, and dignity. It brings together a team of nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers all working toward one shared goal: helping your loved one feel as well as possible, for as long as possible.

Myth #2: Hospice Is Only for the Final Days of Life

Many families call for hospice support only when death is already imminent, sometimes within just days. This is one of the most common and most heartbreaking misunderstandings in end-of-life care.

The fact: Under Medicare guidelines, a patient becomes eligible for hospice when a physician certifies a prognosis of six months or less to live, if the illness follows its expected course. That means hospice can and often should begin weeks or months before the final days.

Earlier enrollment means more time for the hospice team to stabilize symptoms, support family caregivers, and build a care plan truly tailored to your loved one’s wishes and goals. The sooner you ask, the more your family stands to benefit.

Myth #3: Hospice is a Place You Have to Go

The word “hospice” often conjures an image of a facility, a building where people go when the end is near. For many families, that image alone is enough to cause hesitation.

The fact: Hospice is not a place. It is a type of care, and it follows the patient wherever they call home. According to the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association, over 80% of hospice care takes place in the patient’s home. Care can also be provided in assisted living communities, nursing facilities, and inpatient hospice centers for those who need a higher level

Myth #4: Hospice Is Only for Cancer Patients

Because hospice became widely associated with cancer care in its early years, many people still believe it is exclusively for patients with a cancer diagnosis. This misunderstanding keeps thousands of families from accessing care they are fully entitled to receive.

The fact: Hospice is appropriate for any life-limiting illness. Hospice commonly serves patients living with advanced heart failure, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, kidney failure, and many other serious conditions.

If a physician determines that a patient has a prognosis of six months or less based on the expected course of their illness, that patient may qualify for hospice regardless of their specific diagnosis.

Learn more about who qualifies for hospice: Hospice Eligibility Guidelines

Myth #5: Hospice Will Cost My Family a Fortune

Financial anxiety is real, and the last thing a family should be worrying about during this time is whether they can afford the care their loved one needs.

The fact: Hospice care is covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit for patients who qualify. Medicaid also covers hospice in most states, and most private insurance plans include a hospice benefit as well.

Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, covered services typically include nursing visits, physician oversight, medication related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, social work, chaplaincy, counseling, and bereavement support.

Myth #6: Hospice Hastens Death

This fear runs deep. Some families worry that choosing hospice, and particularly accepting medications like morphine for pain management, will somehow shorten the time their loved one has left.

The fact: Hospice does not hasten death. Studies have consistently shown that hospice patients may actually live longer than those with similar diagnoses who do not receive hospice services, with some research indicating an average of 29 additional days. When administered properly under medical supervision, medications like morphine relieve pain and ease breathing without accelerating the dying process.

Myth #7: You Lose Control of Your Care Decisions in Hospice

Some families fear that enrolling in hospice means handing over control to a care team and losing their voice in what happens next.

The fact: Hospice is built around patient and family choice. Care plans are created collaboratively and updated based on your loved one’s evolving goals, preferences, and wishes. Patients can choose where they receive care, which treatments they pursue, and who is part of their care team. Patients also retain the right to keep their existing primary care physician involved throughout their hospice enrollment.

And if circumstances change, patients have the right to leave hospice at any time by signing a simple revocation form. Hospice is not a locked door. It is a support system designed entirely around your family’s needs and decisions.

Myth #8: Hospice Is Only for the Patient

Families often think of hospice as care for the person who is ill. What they do not always realize is that hospice was designed to support the entire family.

The fact: Hospice takes a whole-family approach. Social workers, counselors, and chaplains are available to support caregivers and family members through the emotional, practical, and spiritual weight of this experience. Respite care gives primary caregivers temporary relief so they can rest and attend to their own needs.

Myth #9: You Need a DNR to Enroll in Hospice

Some families have been incorrectly told, or have simply assumed, that a Do Not Resuscitate order is required before a patient can be admitted to hospice. This creates unnecessary emotional distress and can delay a referral.

The fact: A DNR is not required for hospice admission. While conversations about goals of care, including resuscitation preferences, are a natural part of the hospice process, no family is required to sign a DNR in order to begin receiving services.

Myth #10: It Is Too Early to Call Hospice

Many families wait, hoping things will improve, or worrying that calling for a hospice evaluation is “jumping the gun.” The result is that many patients arrive at hospice in their final days, with very little time to benefit from the full scope of support available.

The fact: There is no benefit to waiting. If a physician has indicated that your loved one’s illness is life-limiting, a hospice evaluation costs nothing and carries no obligation. Anyone can make a referral to hospice, including patients themselves, family members, or caregivers. You do not need a physician referral to request an evaluation.

What Happens When You Reach Out

Getting started with hospice care does not have to be complicated. Here is what the process typically looks like:

Contact a hospice provider to request a free evaluation for your loved one.
A hospice nurse or social worker meets with your family to assess your loved one’s condition and explain what services are available.
A physician certifies eligibility based on a prognosis of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course.
Care begins, built around your loved one’s goals, your family’s needs, and a plan that is tailored to your specific situation.

From that point forward, a full team, including nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, is there to support you.

The Bottom Line

Hospice is not about giving up. It is not a last resort, a place, or a surrender. It is one of the most comprehensive, compassionate, and family-centered forms of care that exists in the healthcare system, and it is available to far more families than most people realize.

If you have questions about hospice eligibility or would like to schedule a no-obligation evaluation for your loved one, call us at (800) 993-9391 [Irvine], (760) 898-4308 [Palm Desert] or complete our form online.

If you have been hesitating because of something you heard or assumed about hospice, we hope this helps. You deserve the full picture so you can make decisions from a place of clarity and confidence, not fear.

What Medications and Equipment are Typically Covered in Hospice

February 9, 2026 by Acacia Hospice and Palliative Services

This guide explains the hospice care medications, medical equipment, and supplies that are usually covered through the Medicare hospice benefit in Irvine, Palm Desert, or nearby communities. Learn what is not covered, and how your hospice team coordinates delivery and setup so home feels safe and comfortable.

Most families pay little or nothing out of pocket for covered hospice services, with only small copays in limited situations.

Quick Answer: What Hospice Typically Covers

Medications for symptom relief. Medicare covers drugs for pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, constipation, secretions, and other symptoms that relate to the terminal illness and related conditions.
Durable medical equipment (DME). Hospital bed, pressure-relieving mattress, wheelchair, walker, bedside commode, oxygen equipment and supplies, suction machine, over-bed table, nebulizer, and similar items as outlined in your plan of care.
Medical supplies. Wound dressings, incontinence products, gloves, syringes, catheters, and similar disposable items needed for comfort and safety at home.
Interdisciplinary support. Nursing visits, social work, spiritual care, home health aide support, and on-call assistance for urgent symptom changes.

How Coverage Works

When you elect hospice, Medicare shifts your focus to comfort. Your hospice team writes a plan of care that lists the medications, equipment, and supplies needed for your goals. If an item is related to the terminal illness or related conditions, it is typically covered under the hospice benefit and provided by the hospice.

Costs you may see: Medicare states there is no charge for covered hospice services, though you may pay up to a $5 copay per prescription for outpatient drugs for pain or symptom control and 5% coinsurance for inpatient respite care. Room and board at a facility is not covered.

Medications Usually Covered

Your hospice prescriber focuses on comfort and quality of life. Depending on your diagnosis and goals, typical covered medications can include:

Pain management: opioids such as morphine or hydromorphone, acetaminophen, adjuvants.
Breathlessness: oxygen-related meds, opioids for dyspnea, bronchodilators, nebulized therapies when appropriate.
Anxiety and restlessness: anxiolytics, antipsychotics for agitation.
Nausea and bowel regimen: anti-emetics, laxatives, antidiarrheals.
Secretions and cough: anticholinergics, antitussives.

Coverage depends on whether the medication treats the terminal illness or related conditions and whether it aligns with your plan of care. Your hospice will substitute generics when appropriate and streamline refills to avoid gaps.

Equipment Commonly Provided at Home

To keep you safe and comfortable, your team arranges delivery, setup, education, and maintenance for equipment such as:

Hospital bed with side rails and appropriate mattress
Wheelchair or transport chair, walker, cane
Bedside commode, urinal, bedpan, shower chair
Oxygen concentrator, portable tanks, tubing, humidifier bottle
Suction machine and supplies, nebulizer
Over-bed table, transfer devices as needed

These items are part of durable medical equipment categories recognized by Medicare and are covered when medically necessary under your hospice plan of care.

Medical Supplies You Can Expect

Dressings and wound care materials
Incontinence supplies and skin protectants
Catheter kits and drainage supplies
Gloves and syringes for safe care at home

Hospice typically furnishes the disposable supplies needed to manage symptoms and keep you comfortable.

What Is Not Covered

Curative treatments aimed at curing the terminal illness after the hospice election.
Medications or services unrelated to the terminal illness and related conditions. These may still be covered by your non-hospice Medicare benefits, but they are not paid by the hospice.
Room and board in assisted living, skilled nursing, or board-and-care settings.
24-hour custodial care in the home.

Medicare is explicit that room and board are not covered and that unrelated items fall outside the hospice benefit, though they may be paid under other Medicare parts.

How “Relatedness” Is Decided

Your hospice physician reviews your diagnoses and symptoms to determine what is related to the terminal illness. Hospices are required to list items and services they believe are unrelated and provide a clear written explanation in accessible language on request. If something is unrelated, your standard Medicare coverage applies.

Home Setup: What Families Can Expect In Orange County And The Coachella Valley

Fast delivery and installation. Most essential equipment is delivered shortly after admission, with instruction for safe use.
Medication starter kits. Many teams provide a comfort kit so you are ready to manage common symptoms.
Refill coordination. The hospice manages refills and prior authorizations for covered symptom-control drugs so you are not calling multiple pharmacies.
Ongoing adjustments. As needs change, your plan of care and equipment list evolve.

These steps reflect standard hospice practice and are supported by Medicare’s hospice benefit framework.

Simple Scenarios

“Dad has insulin for diabetes. Will hospice cover it?”
If diabetes management is part of his overall comfort and related to the terminal condition, it is generally covered and aligned to goals of care. If the hospice determines it is unrelated, it may be billed to non-hospice Medicare. Your team will explain the reasoning and options.

“We live in a facility. Is rent covered?”
No. Hospice services follow you wherever you live, but facility room and board remain your responsibility except for short inpatient symptom management or respite arranged by the hospice.

When To Call Your Hospice Team

When something changes at home, you should not wait or wonder. Your hospice team is here to help you stay comfortable and safe, and quick updates to your plan of care can make a real difference. Call us any time you notice new symptoms, worry about medications or supplies, or have concerns about equipment. We will listen, guide you step by step, and adjust what you receive so care fits your needs right now.

A new symptom appears or worsens
Equipment is uncomfortable, unsafe, or broken
You are running low on supplies or medications
You have a question about whether a drug is covered

Your hospice can review the plan of care and adjust promptly so comfort remains the priority. If you are comparing providers, see our guide to choosing a hospice in Riverside County to help you make a confident decision.

Get Clear On What Hospice Covers Today

If you have questions about which medications, equipment, and supplies are included, our hospice team can walk you through coverage and arrange what you need at home.

Irvine: ☎ (800) 993-9391
Palm Desert: ☎ (760) 898-4308

We support families across Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles County. Call now to review your plan of care, confirm covered medications, schedule equipment delivery, and keep comfort the priority.

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Brent D.

3 weeks ago

I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible care provided by the hospice team at Acacia Hospice. During a deeply challenging time, they brought an immense sense of comfort, dignity, and peace to our family.A very special thank you to Veronica Solem and her team. Veronica is a true blessing—her profound compassion, professionalism, and gentle guidance made a world of difference. She didn't just care for our loved one's physical needs; she truly supported our entire family emotionally. The responsiveness, kindness, and dedication shown by Veronica and her team went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for.If you are looking for a team that treats your family like their own with the utmost respect and empathy, I highly recommend Acacia Hospice. Thank you, Veronica, for being our rock.

KRISTY E.

1 month ago

Wow. Our intake with Willian & Janice at the Veterans Hospital was so nurturing and simple. They were so pleasant to work with for our father’s transition. The transportation team was remarkable. And the equipment specialist were above and beyond. Soon after we got home Lance visited to get us started and he was so patient, compassionate and thorough. Each person educated us on the process the entire time. Given the circumstances, we felt grateful and reassured. 10/10 Highly recommend.

John F.

2 months ago

Acacia took wonderful care of my mother, and our family is truly grateful. Their nurses showed real professionalism and understanding, always taking the time to listen and adjust to what she needed. The administrative team was just as strong—organized, patient, and easy to reach whenever we had questions. It’s never easy navigating hospice care, but Acacia made the experience far less stressful and gave us confidence that she was in good hands.

Diana C.

I would recommend Acacia Hospic they help me and my family with my father. They were very professional caring thank you Diana Canary

Jeanette W.

Acacia provided excellent hospice care for an elderly friend. The nurses and support personnel were attentive to both patient and family/friends. They are professional, caring, respectful, and listened well to our questions and concerns. Acacia also coordinated seamlessly with the skilled nursing staff. Thank you!

Carol R.

Tania G.

Acacia Hospice provided truly amazing care for my grandmother and our family. The entire team was always there when we needed them, showing so much compassion and support. A special thank you to her RN Yesenia, who went above and beyond in every way. She became like family to us, and my grandmother truly loved her. Thank you as well to her LVN Melina and Nurse Martha for also going above and beyond with taking such good care of her. My grandmother passed on May 29, 2026, and we will forever be grateful for the love and care they gave her during such a difficult time.

Sheila H.

2 years ago

My family had such a wonderful experience with Acacia Home Health for the last few years as my mother who is 93 has been on palliative care for advanced pulmonary hypertension and COPD. Acacia has sent us a variety of fantastic nurses, physical therapists, social workers and specialists for respiratory and wound care. Acacia arranged for us to have x-rays, blood draws and outstanding urgent care at our home. We have been able to call them at any hour for advice. Their case managers and management are absolutely wonderful. We have experienced that they are very caring and they always treat my mother and me (the caregiver) as very important. They have helped us to get all of the equipment that mom needs. They answer all of our questions (sometimes doing research to find answers for us) on a variety of topics. We will be forever grateful to Acacia and their wonderful employees!

Faith N.

3 years ago

My mom was a patient on service. She passed in January 2023. The Hospice and Palliative teams went above and beyond. They were an excellent resource to our family. I reside on the East and had to communicate via phone and text while I went back and forth. Toward the end I had comfort in knowing she had a great team at her side. Thank you.

Senior P.

4 years ago

Acacia Hospice has been a great partner for our company over the years helping families and providing care and assistance at a moments notice. The staff is always available, warm, knowledgable and friendly. They perform calm and detail oriented in high pressure and often emotional settings. if your loved family member needs this service Acacia is the way to go.

Greg F.

Manuela is a kind hearted person that knows how to work with women that have dimensia. She persists through the scratching, and other unpleasant rantings that can accompany these types of patients. She is truly a blessing! To not mention how good the others who have come to my house and help me with my wife is a mistake. Sheryl the nurse practitioner and Mark the physical therapist were also excellent!

Fern T.

5 years ago

Acacia's people have made taking care of my aging parent so much easier and less stressful. They are well-trained and professional, and I am very thankful for their support.

Steve K.

Acacia Hospice has been a life saver for my mom. Having mom with late stage severe dementia has been most difficult on all of our family members but especially hard on my 86 years old father. Thank You Acacia Hospice !!! Words can describe the how grateful we are with the nurses and caregivers that we have from Acacia Hospice Care. You guys are the reason why we are able have my mom at home. Thank You 🙏. God bless you guys.

Miranda M.

It goes without saying that if you need Acacia Hospice you are experiencing a challenging phase of life. However, Acacia has done all they can to make the experience easier on my family. We have appreciated and found comfort in all of the nurses, have been educated and supported by them as well. If we need medical equipment we get it promptly with no issues. We did not know anything about hospice care before recently, and we are so glad to know Acacia is there for people in these tough spots.

Sherri F.

6 years ago

Acacia provided nursing care for my mom in 2019 when she was ill, and we were so pleased with the care she received that we reached out to Acacia in 2020 when my mom now needed Hospice services, and we are so grateful for all that Acacia did for my mom prior to her passing. All of the staff members at Acacia were wonderful and caring, and we were especially fond of Rosemary, who provided such loving nursing care for my mom. The staff members at Acacia were readily available and extremely responsive to all of our requests for supplies, medication and more. We would highly recommend both Acacia's Home Healthcare Services as well as their Hospice Services. Thank you again for taking such loving care of my mother.

Cynthia M.

I knew I was in excellent hands when I met & discussed my 81-yr-old "sweetheart's" care, Victor, with Peter. After 3 other experiences in prior hospices compared to working with Acacia, I was so assured by Peter's solid knowledge of the industry, various options of care provided at Acacia & his knowledge about other facilities. He answered each need we had with the highest professionalism and integrity. Peter & the entire Acacia team facilitated what would be a difficult transition for Victor. Acacia outshines them all in responsiveness to patients' needs, always treating the patient with dignity and humanity while securing resources to suit patient. I experienced their quality level of care while being Victor's caregiver. Acacia works in the interest of the patient & deferred admitting Victor to Acacia at a time when he was so ill that former hospice MD predicted certain death. Victor lived & I immediately admitted him to Acacia which was a very smooth transition, compared to others previously. I am so grateful for the social worker's, at Alzheimer's Family Center, referral to Acacia, who recommended Acacia as being the best hospice facility in O.C. I couldn't agree more! Any caregiver/family member won't regret their choice of Acacia!

Darcy R.

Acacia Hospice has been a life saver for us! We were unfamiliar with everything hospice offers but Peter quickly educated us. After our first phone call he responded immediately and had a medical bed delivered to us within hours of first speaking to him. Additionally, he arranged for our loved one to be brought home from the hospital in an ambulance the next day and had a nurse waiting when she arrived home. I’ve never seen such quick response time! The nurse, Jennifer, has been incredible getting all the meds coordinated and educating the caregivers on how to manage everything. I would highly recommend Acacia after our wonderful experience with them! Having such friendly and helpful people has been a true blessing during this difficult time.

P. S.

My 94 year old mother reached a point in her life when she needed hospice care. Carmel Village in Fountain Valley recommended Acacia Hospice. Right away I knew we had made the right choice. Peter Martinez was our representative and he made all the arrangements for care and equipment. He communicated each step being taken and always followed up. He and his team were always available to answer questions and offer support. Acacia Hospice is the finest choice for hospice care and I highly recommend them.