How Hospice Handles Emergencies at Home: What to Expect and How Our Team Supports You
Emergencies can happen at any stage of life, and end-of-life care is no exception. For patients receiving hospice, these critical moments can feel overwhelming for both the patient and family. You may wonder: What happens during a health emergency while on hospice? Can I still call 911? Who shows up to help? These are valid questions, and the answers reflect the compassionate and well-coordinated nature of hospice care.
Every year, over 1.7 million Americans receive hospice services, many in their own homes. While hospice focuses on comfort over cure, that doesn’t mean you’re left unsupported in a crisis. In fact, hospice teams prepare extensively for emergencies to ensure patients and families feel safe, informed, and surrounded by care, even in the most difficult moments.
Preparing for Emergencies: Proactive Hospice Planning
When you begin hospice care, your team helps create a detailed emergency plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. This plan covers common scenarios such as sudden changes in condition, falls, uncontrolled pain, labored breathing, or emotional distress. It includes:
Whom to call first, depending on the situation.
When it's appropriate to call 911 versus the hospice team.
Clear guidance for caregivers to reduce panic and confusion.
A symptom management protocol for quick relief at home.
According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, patients with documented emergency plans were 40% less likely to experience unplanned hospital visits in the last month of life, preserving their comfort and honoring their wishes.
Can You Call 911 While on Hospice?
Yes, calling 911 is always an option during hospice care. Hospice does not remove your right to emergency medical help. However, depending on the situation, calling 911 may result in interventions that are not aligned with your comfort-focused goals of care.
For example, aggressive life-saving measures like CPR, intubation, or hospital transfers may be distressing or unwanted for many hospice patients. That’s why it’s essential to notify your hospice team immediately if you do call 911—they can coordinate with emergency responders to advocate for your wishes and ensure continuity of care.
Still, statistics show that nearly 75% of older adults with serious illnesses seek emergency care in a hospital within the last six months of life. This underscores the importance of ongoing caregiver education and clear communication with hospice providers.
What Happens During a Hospice Emergency?
If a medical crisis arises, your hospice team activates its rapid response plan. Here's what that typically includes:
24/7 Access to a hospice nurse who can assess the situation by phone or in person.
Real-time coordination with emergency services if needed.
Transmission of critical medical records and advance directives to ER staff.
Guidance and emotional support for family members during tense moments.
Hospice teams are trained to handle medical crises with both clinical skill and emotional sensitivity. Their goal is to stabilize symptoms, uphold your care preferences, and avoid unnecessary suffering.
Around-the-Clock Support at Home
While hospice care doesn’t involve someone being physically present 24/7 in your home, support is available around the clock. Most providers guarantee:
A nurse response within 60 minutes for urgent visits.
24/7 on-call support via phone for medical advice or reassurance.
Scheduled home visits for symptom management and caregiver training.
Families are never alone in making hard decisions. Your hospice agency will give you a clear emergency contact sheet and instructions for after-hours support.
Emotional and Physical Relief in Times of Crisis
Emergencies can be frightening, but hospice teams are skilled at bringing calm to the chaos. Their presence often prevents escalation and keeps the patient at home, where 80% of hospice patients say they prefer to remain until the end of life.
Whether it's managing shortness of breath, administering breakthrough medication, or simply sitting with a family during a moment of fear, hospice workers offer comfort, clarity, and compassion when it's needed most.
If you're unsure about what will happen during an emergency, speak with your hospice provider. They can walk you through your emergency care plan, update your preferences, and make sure everyone involved—from your nurse to your family caregiver—is prepared.
For answers to other common concerns about hospice, check out our article on Frequently Asked Questions in Hospice Care. You don’t have to face emergencies alone—your hospice team is here to guide you every step of the way.