Holidays can bring full calendars, travel plans, and strong emotions. If your family is considering hospice or already receiving care, you may wonder how it all fits with your current physician’s guidance.
This guide explains how hospice coordinates with your existing doctors so your loved one stays comfortable and supported throughout December.
A Holiday Care Coordination Checklist
When schedules change and symptoms flow, families need a simple plan that keeps everyone on the same page. Use this guide to clarify who leads, who supports, and how hospice collaborates with your existing doctors throughout the holiday seasons.
Who leads the plan
- Your attending physician sets the medical diagnosis and treatment intent
- The hospice medical director oversees comfort focused care and urgent orders
- You and your family guide goals, preferences, and daily routines
How information flows
- Hospice documents each visit and shares concise updates with your physician
- Medication changes are confirmed clinician to clinician to avoid mixed instructions
- You receive plain language summaries so the plan is easy to follow at home
The three calls rule
- Call hospice first for symptom changes, questions, or equipment needs
- Hospice loops in your physician for orders or clarification as needed
- Hospice reports back to you with clear next steps and what to watch for
Holiday readiness checklist
- Confirm refills, delivery windows, and backup supplies for one to two weeks
- Test equipment, batteries, and oxygen supplies before visitors arrive
- Post the hospice number by the phone and save it in your contacts
- Identify a quiet room plan for rest between activities
- Share the plan with visiting family so everyone knows how to help
What stays the same
- You keep your trusted physician
- Hospice coordinates details, provides 24/7 access, and updates your doctor
- The care plan remains centered on your goals, values, and comfort
How Hospice Coordinates With Your Doctor
You do not have to give up your relationship with your current physician. Hospice works alongside your doctor to align medications, share updates, and keep care centered on your goals.
- Shared plan of care that reflects your physician’s diagnoses, your wishes, and hospice comfort goals
- Secure communication between hospice clinicians and your doctor for medication adjustments and new orders
- One point of contact through the hospice team so you are not chasing multiple offices
To see how hospice and other care services work, visit Compare Care Options.
What Communication Looks Like During the Holidays
- Before the holiday period your hospice nurse reviews your current medications, refills, and equipment needs, then confirms any pending physician recommendations
- During office closures hospice provides 24/7 on-call support with access to medical direction for urgent orders
- After any change hospice sends a concise update to your physician so everyone stays aligned
Who To Call and When
- Call hospice first for symptoms, medication questions, or equipment needs
- Call your physician’s office for non-urgent updates that can wait for regular hours
- Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies if safety is at risk
Your hospice team can loop in your physician as needed and will provide written updates after urgent situations.
Medications, Equipment, and Refills on Holidays
- Refill planning aims to prevent gaps during long weekends
- Comfort medication kits may be provided based on your plan of care
- Equipment delivery such as a hospital bed or oxygen is coordinated in advance whenever possible
- Pharmacy coordination is handled by hospice with physician approval so orders are accurate and timely
For a complete list of services that hospice care provides, read our guide: Hospice Care.
Care Plan Adjustments for Travel and Visitors
- Short-term schedule changes accommodate family gatherings and quiet hours for rest
- Visitor guidance helps reduce overstimulation, with simple ideas for meaningful time together
- Travel planning includes destination contact information, medication supplies, and a safety checklist
Levels of Care if Symptoms Escalate
If symptoms become difficult to manage at home, hospice can recommend the appropriate level of care with your physician’s input.
- Routine home care with scheduled visits and on-call support
- Continuous home care for short periods of intensified nursing support during a crisis
- General inpatient care for short stays in a contracted facility to stabilize symptoms
- Respite care for planned caregiver relief
Privacy, Consent, and Respect for Your Choices
You choose who receives updates and how information is shared. Hospice honors your preferences, involves your physician, and documents consents so your family’s boundaries are respected.
A Simple Plan to Start Before a Holiday Weekend
- Call our team to request a review of needs and holiday plans
- Share your physician’s recommendations and preferred contact details
- Confirm medications, supplies, and equipment for the next two weeks
- Post the hospice number in a visible place and save it on your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will my doctor still be involved?
- Yes. Hospice coordinates with your doctor, shares updates, and requests orders as needed.
- What if my doctor is out of town?
- Hospice medical leadership provides coverage for urgent needs and communicates updates when your doctor returns.
- Can hospice help reduce duplicate medications from different specialists?
- Yes. Your nurse reviews all medications, clarifies instructions with your physician, and helps simplify the regimen when appropriate.
- What if we are traveling within California?
- Tell your hospice team in advance. We will plan supplies, share safety tips, and arrange support options if you are away from home.
Get Hospice Care in Orange County
If you need support during the holidays, call our offices at (800) 993-9391 (Irvine) or (760) 898-4308 (Palm Desert). Our hospice team is here to coordinate with your physician and provide 24/7 help across Orange County and nearby communities.
We will partner with you and your physician so your family can focus on what matters most.