What bereavement support does hospice provide after death?

Hospice care does not end when a patient passes. Under Medicare and most insurance plans, hospice programs are required to provide bereavement support for at least 13 months following the patient's death. This support is available to all family members and caregivers who were involved in the patient's care, not just the spouse or primary caregiver.

Our bereavement coordinator creates a personalized plan for each family that may include follow-up phone calls, home visits, written resources, referrals to grief support groups, and individual counseling sessions. We check in at key milestone periods such as one month, three months, six months, and the anniversary of the death, when grief often resurfaces.

Grief is not a linear process, and everyone experiences it differently. Some family members process loss quickly, while others struggle for years. Our bereavement team provides compassionate support without judgment, helping families navigate sadness, find meaning, and take care of their own health and wellbeing during one of life's most challenging transitions.