Hospice & Palliative Care
Compassionate end-of-life care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for residents and support for their families throughout Delaware.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Compassionate End-of-Life Care in Delaware
Cadia Healthcare partners with leading Delaware hospice agencies to provide compassionate end-of-life care for residents at all five of our facilities. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when cure is no longer the goal, offering medical care, emotional support, and spiritual counseling for residents and their families during life's final chapter.
Our Services
Hospice Care Services
Pain & Symptom Management
Medications and interventions ensuring comfort through effective pain control
Core Service24/7 Nursing Care
Cadia staff plus hospice nurses monitoring patient needs around the clock
Physician Oversight
Hospice physicians coordinating individualized care plans for each resident
Medication & Supplies
All hospice-related medications, medical equipment, and supplies provided
Emotional Support
Counseling services for patients and families addressing fears and end-of-life concerns
Spiritual Care
Chaplain services and spiritual counseling for all faith traditions
Social Work Services
Care planning, family support, and coordination of community resources
Respite Care
Short-term relief for family caregivers with up to 5 days inpatient respite
Bereavement Support
Grief counseling for families continuing up to 13 months after loss
Understanding Your Options
Hospice vs. Palliative Care
Delaware Hospice Partners
Conditions We Serve
Common Conditions Leading to Hospice
Advanced Dementia
- Alzheimer's disease
- Inability to communicate
- Cannot perform daily activities
- Progressive cognitive decline
End-Stage Heart Disease
- Severe congestive heart failure
- Unresponsive to treatment
- Recurrent hospitalizations
- Declining cardiac function
Advanced COPD
- Severe chronic obstructive disease
- Respiratory failure
- Oxygen-dependent breathing
- Recurrent infections
Cancer
- Metastatic cancer
- No longer responding to treatment
- Comfort-focused management
- Pain and symptom control
End-Stage Kidney Disease
- Choosing to discontinue dialysis
- Renal failure management
- Symptom-focused comfort care
- Fluid and nutrition support
Stroke & Neurological
- Severe stroke with complications
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Progressive decline in function
- Neuromuscular disease support
Liver Failure
- End-stage liver disease
- Cirrhosis complications
- Comfort-focused management
- Symptom control measures
Failure to Thrive
- Progressive overall decline
- Multiple organ systems failing
- Weight loss and weakness
- Declining functional status
Eligibility Requirements
- Terminal illness (6-month prognosis)
- Physician certification required
- Comfort care focus chosen
- Medicare/Medicaid/insurance coverage
Holistic Care
Emotional & Spiritual Support
Addressing fears, anxiety, and end-of-life concerns with compassionate guidance
Meaningful life review and legacy work honoring each resident's story
Chaplains of all faith traditions providing spiritual comfort and guidance
Comfort measures bringing joy, memories, and peace to residents
Anticipatory grief counseling, family meetings, and 24/7 support line
Grief counseling, support groups, and memorial services continuing 13 months after loss
Peace of Mind
Why Choose Cadia for Hospice
Our nursing staff partners with hospice teams daily, ensuring seamless coordination
Peaceful environment for end-of-life care when privacy matters most
Cadia nurses plus hospice team providing round-the-clock support
Flexible visiting hours and overnight options when possible during final days
Seamless collaboration between facility staff and hospice providers
Team trained in end-of-life care creating comfortable, home-like settings
Find Us
Delaware Locations
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does choosing hospice mean giving up hope?
No. Hospice represents a shift in goals from curing illness to maximizing quality of life and comfort. Many families find that hospice allows them to hope for peaceful, dignified final days surrounded by loved ones, free from pain and suffering.
Can you still receive medical care on hospice?
Yes, hospice provides medical care focused on comfort. You receive nursing care, medications for symptom management, equipment, and physician oversight. What changes is the goal — comfort rather than cure. Some treatments may be discontinued if they no longer provide comfort benefit.
What if my loved one lives longer than 6 months?
Hospice continues as long as the person remains terminally ill and the physician certifies continued eligibility. Many people exceed initial prognoses. Hospice can be extended indefinitely with ongoing physician certification. If someone improves significantly, they can discharge from hospice and re-enroll later if needed.
Will hospice force withdrawal of feeding tubes or dialysis?
No, hospice never forces any decisions. Patients and families decide about treatments like feeding tubes, dialysis, or other interventions. Hospice staff provide information about benefits and burdens to support informed decision-making, but choices remain with patients and families.
Can family stay overnight?
When possible, we accommodate family members staying overnight, especially during final days. Many families wish to be present continuously at the end of life. While private rooms are limited, we work with families to facilitate presence during this sacred time.
What happens to the body after death?
When death occurs, the nurse notifies the hospice and family, and the hospice pronounces death (Delaware law allows hospice nurses to pronounce). The funeral home of the family's choosing is contacted to transport the body. Families can spend time with their loved one before the funeral home arrives.
Call The Admissions Department of Your Preferred Facility
24/7 admissions · Medicare, Medicaid & most insurance accepted