What Families Should Expect?
For many families in Riverside County, the idea of starting hospice care can feel overwhelming. There are often fears about what it means, confusion about how it works, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At Alta Hospice of California, we believe that knowledge brings peace. That’s why we’re committed to making the hospice admission process simple, compassionate, and stress-free for families across Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect, and how we walk with you through each stage.
Step 1: A Doctor Recommends or Approves Hospice
Hospice care typically begins when a physician determines that a patient has a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer
- Heart failure
- COPD or other lung diseases
- Kidney or liver failure
- Alzheimer’s or other advanced dementia
- Stroke or neurological decline
If your doctor hasn’t mentioned hospice but you’re concerned about your loved one’s decline, you can call Alta Hospice directly for a free evaluation.
Step 2: Schedule a Free In-Home Consultation
Once you reach out to Alta Hospice, we will:
- Answer your questions
- Explain hospice services
- Schedule a free nurse visit (in-home or in a facility)
- Help determine if hospice is appropriate
- Handle all communication with your doctor, if needed
There is no cost, pressure, or obligation—just compassionate guidance.
Step 3: Review and Sign Hospice Consent Forms
If your loved one is eligible and the family agrees to move forward, we’ll review a simple set of forms:
- Hospice election form (required by Medicare)
- Patient rights and responsibilities
- Authorization for care
- Insurance or Medi-Cal information (if applicable)
Alta Hospice will handle all billing and paperwork, so you can focus on care, not logistics
Step 4: A Personalized Care Plan Is Created
Within 24–48 hours of admission, our team creates a custom care plan based on your loved one’s diagnosis, needs, and goals. This plan may include:
- Regular nurse visits
- Pain and symptom medications
- Home health aide visits (for bathing, grooming, etc.)
- Social worker or chaplain support
- Medical equipment (hospital bed, oxygen, etc.) delivered to your home
You will also have access to a 24/7 on-call nurse line from day one.
Step 5: Ongoing Support and Adjustments
Hospice is not a one-size-fits-all service. As your loved one’s condition changes, we adjust the care plan and coordinate closely with your family. Services may be added or increased, including:
- More frequent nurse visits
- Specialized wound or breathing care
- Spiritual counseling or grief support
- Respite care for family caregivers
Alta Hospice ensures that you are never alone our team is here every step of the way.
Common Questions from Riverside Families:
❓ Can hospice begin the same day we call?
Yes. In urgent situations, we can often begin services within hours—even nights and weekends.
❓ Will hospice stop if my loved one lives longer than 6 months?
No. As long as your loved one remains eligible, hospice can continue beyond six months with recertification.
❓ Can hospice care happen at home?
Yes. Most of our patients receive hospice care in their own homes, assisted living communities, or nursing homes in Riverside County.
Start with a Conversation, Not a Commitment
If you’re wondering whether hospice is right for your loved one, you don’t have to make a decision today. You just have to ask.
📞 Call us at : 866-935-5055
🌐 Or visit www.altahospiceofca.com to request more information.
Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties with compassion, dignity, and expert care.