Preparing for Hospice Admission: Important Paperwork Families Should Complete

Medical Documentation

Hospice teams need a full understanding of the patient’s medical history to provide the best possible care. Families should prepare:

• Physician’s referral or order for hospice care – a requirement for admission.

• Recent medical records – including hospital discharge summaries, test results, and physician notes.

• Current medication list – detailing prescriptions, dosages, and schedules.

• Allergies and treatment preferences – so caregivers can avoid complications.

Having these records ready helps hospice staff tailor the care plan to the patient’s needs.

Legal and Consent Forms

Before care begins, families will be asked to review and sign several consent forms. These may include:

• Consent for treatment – allowing hospice caregivers to provide medical and supportive care.

• Release of information – permitting communication with physicians, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals.

• Financial responsibility agreement – outlining how services are covered through insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or private pay.

Reviewing these documents in advance helps families avoid last-minute stress.

Advance Care Planning Documents

One of the most important steps is ensuring that the patient’s wishes are clearly documented. These may include:

• Advance directive or living will – specifying the patient’s preferences for medical treatment at the end of life.

• Durable power of attorney for healthcare – naming a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions if the patient is unable to do so.

• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order – if chosen, this form ensures the patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining measures are honored.

These documents protect the patient’s voice and provide guidance for the care team and family.

Personal and Identification Documents

For admission and administrative purposes, families may also need to provide:

• Government-issued ID for the patient.

• Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance).

• Emergency contact information for primary family caregivers.

Keeping these documents organized ensures a smoother check-in process.

Final Arrangements and Preferences

Although difficult to discuss, some families choose to prepare paperwork related to funeral or memorial planning ahead of time. Providing this information early can relieve the family of decision-making pressure later and ensure the patient’s wishes are honored.

Creating Peace of Mind

Preparing paperwork before hospice admission may feel like a formality, but it serves a larger purpose. It ensures that the patient’s medical, legal, and personal needs are fully addressed, allowing the hospice team to focus on compassionate care. For families, having documents in order brings peace of mind, knowing that nothing stands in the way of their loved one’s comfort and dignity.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance for families preparing for hospice admission. These are common suggestions and may not cover every form, requirement, or circumstance. Each hospice organization may have its own specific policies and paperwork. Families are encouraged to consult directly with their hospice provider, legal advisors, and healthcare professionals to ensure all necessary documents are completed for their unique situation.