Our registered nurses make regular visits to help relieve your symptoms and keep you comfortable. They are available 24/7 for support and care.

Home health aides can help you with everyday activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating.

We empower you and your loved ones with knowledge about your disease. We teach you what to expect as it progresses and ways you can cope.

Specially trained social workers are available to talk about how you’re feeling and can help with end-of-life planning.

Clergy of all faiths are available to provide spiritual or religious support and counseling to you and your family.

We have volunteers who are trained to provide a supportive presence. They visit with you and can help with errands.

You may receive visits from therapy dogs or small musical groups, be given hand-knit blankets, or play cards or board games with volunteers.

Arrangement of respite services

If your primary caregiver needs a break from caregiving, we can help them find resources and support.

Our bereavement counselors help loved ones grieve and heal. We offer free bereavement services for up to a year after a person’s death.

Hospice

Our specialized hospice care team provides compassionate end-of-life care in the comfort of home.

Call 800-700-8807

Overview

Compassionate home hospice care

Also known as end-of-life care, hospice is for people whose disease-curing treatments are no longer working, or those who wish to stop treatment. Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This service is typically for people who are in the final six months of life.

At Penn Medicine, we’re committed to providing compassionate hospice care that allows people to remain at home. Our specially trained multidisciplinary hospice team creates personalized care plans tailored to your physical and emotional needs.

Hospice care at home: What to expect

Once you and your doctor decide hospice care is right for you, our team sets up an initial consultation. They ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and preferences for home hospice care. They also set up delivery of any needed medical equipment and medication.

As part of your customized care plan, we set up scheduled visits from your hospice team, which includes a registered nurse, certified home health aide, social worker, chaplain, and bereavement counselor. If you have a loved one who wants to be actively involved in your care, we support and train them.

Home hospice care: Services we provide

Home hospice services are designed to keep you comfortable and alleviate stress as much as possible. Depending on your needs, our home hospice care services may include:

Hospice coverage

Home hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. Our team can help coordinate your coverage. If you don’t have insurance, you’re still eligible for hospice care. We provide care regardless of your ability to pay.

For more information, call 610-617-2400 or 800-700-8807. You may also email us at pmhospicereferrals@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Volunteer at Penn Medicine at Home Hospice Program

Hospice volunteers are an integral part of our interdisciplinary team. Hospice volunteers offer a abundance of opportunities to support our patients and family such as caregiver relief, office support and facilitating grieving families. We provide all the tools and resources you need to make a difference. Please consider joining our team!

To apply, fill out our hospice volunteer application. For more information, call 610-617-2400 or email pmathomevolunteerdepartment@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.