For Families
You don't have to walk this road alone.
When your loved one needs end-of-life care, every decision carries weight. Legacy Hospice is here to walk beside you on every step of the journey–with expert clinical care, honest communication, and compassion that gives families real peace of mind.
Why choose Legacy Hospice?
When your loved one needs end-of-life care, every decision carries weight. Legacy Hospice is here to walk beside you on every step of the journey–with expert clinical care, honest communication, and compassion that gives families real peace of mind.
High-Quality Care
Legacy Hospice consistently earns quality scores at or above the national average. Our interdisciplinary clinical team of nurses, physicians, aides, and psychosocial members collaborates to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care every day.
Rapid Response Times
When hospice care is needed, every moment matters. Our centralized intake team responds quickly to every referral, connecting you directly to a nurse–not an answering service. And admissions are typically completed within 24 hours.
Compassionate Staff
Our team listens. We take the time to understand your loved one's wishes, your family's concerns, and the unique dynamics of your situation. Every interaction is guided by compassion, honesty, and a genuine commitment to your family's peace of mind.
When is it time to consider hospice care?
Knowing when to consider hospice is one of the hardest parts of this journey. There's no single moment, but there are signs. If you recognize any of the following, it may be time to talk to your loved one's physician about hospice:
- An illness with a prognosis of six months or less
- Worsening symptoms despite ongoing treatment
- Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits
- Noticeable physical decline and reduced quality of life
- Increased dependence on others for daily activities
If you're unsure, reach out and talk to one of our experienced hospice care nurses. We’ll help explain your options.
What to Expect When Starting Hospice Care
From Referral to Admission
Once you contact us or we receive a referral from your physician, our intake team moves quickly. We'll gather the necessary information, coordinate with the treating physician, and typically complete the admission within 24 hours. You don't need to have everything figured out. We'll guide you through each step.
Your First Days with Hospice
In the first days of care, your Legacy Hospice team will conduct an initial assessment, establish a personalized care plan, and introduce you to your care team. This is also a time for your family to ask questions, share concerns, and begin to understand what the days ahead may look like.
Ongoing Care and Communication
Your Legacy Hospice care team will make regular visits, adjust care plans as your loved one's needs change, and maintain open, ongoing communication with your family. When something changes, you can always reach us–day or night.
Support for Caregivers
Being a caregiver is one of the most selfless things a person can do. At Legacy Hospice, we’re here to support you on the journey.
Our social workers provide emotional support and guidance. Our volunteers offer companionship and respite so you can rest. And our bereavement team continues to be there for your family after your loved one passes.
Featured Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my loved one qualifies for hospice care?
Your loved one may need hospice care when they have a life limiting illness that is not improving with treatment and their physician has determined they have a prognosis of six months or less. If you are uncertain and would like more information, please contact us.
What signs indicate it may be time to consider hospice?
Signs that it may be time to consider hospice include worsening symptoms despite treatment, frequent hospitalizations or ER visits, significant physical decline, increased need for assistance with daily tasks, eating less or losing weight, or a physician's recommendation to shift focus toward comfort. If you're unsure, our team is happy to talk through what you're observing.
What services are included in hospice care?
Legacy Hospice provides a comprehensive range of services through our interdisciplinary team, including physician and nursing care, pain and symptom management, medication management, medical equipment and supplies, therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech), social work and counseling, chaplaincy and spiritual care, caregiver education, respite care, 24/7 on-call support, and bereavement care for families.
How is hospice care paid for?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care. Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, services are typically provided at no cost to the patient. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage and answer any questions about costs or billing.
Does Legacy Hospice provide hospice care in my area?
Legacy Hospice serves communities across Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Use our location finder to enter your zip code and find the care team nearest to you.
What should we expect when starting hospice care?
The transition to hospice is a process we guide you through step by step. After admission, you'll be introduced to your care team, a personalized care plan will be developed, and visits will begin right away. In the days that follow, we'll be in regular contact, adjusting care as needed and making sure your family feels supported at every turn.
How do we know we are making the right decision with hospice care?
This is one of the most common questions families ask–and one of the most important. Choosing hospice is not giving up. It is choosing to prioritize your loved one's comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Families who work with Legacy Hospice often tell us that the support and relief of having a dedicated care team made a profoundly difficult time more peaceful. We're here to help you feel confident in the path ahead.
Interested in learning more about hospice care?
We're here when you're ready. Reach out to our team today.