Hospice care surrounds you with a coordinated team that works from one plan of care. You receive medical, practical, and emotional support at home or in your place of residence. The typical team includes a physician, registered nurse, hospice aide, social worker, spiritual care provider, bereavement counselor, trained volunteers, and therapists when needed.
This group meets regularly to adjust medications, supplies, and goals based on how you are doing.
If you are just getting started in Burbank or Los Angeles County, you can ask questions at any time. We will outline the first 72 hours, set up equipment, and confirm who to call after hours.
How the Team Works Together
Your plan of care is built with you and your family. Each visit has a clear purpose, and the hospice team reviews notes after every visit so the plan stays current. Interdisciplinary meetings happen regularly to coordinate medications, equipment, and caregiver teaching. You always know what comes next and who will follow up.
- Nurse assessment, simple goals, and a clear weekly plan
- Same-day chart updates so the on-call nurse is in sync
- Medication refills and essential equipment arranged for you
- Short “when to call” guidance for common symptoms
Who Is on Your Hospice Team
- Hospice Physician or Medical Director. Your hospice physician oversees the plan of care and collaborates with your personal doctor. The physician confirms eligibility, guides medication choices for pain and symptom relief, and helps align treatment with your goals. You may have phone consults and occasional in-person visits, especially at the start or during changes.
- Registered Nurse (RN) Case Manager. Your RN is your primary clinical contact. The nurse assesses pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, and skin integrity. The RN teaches family members how to give medications, watches for changes, and updates the plan with the rest of the team. Visit frequency depends on need. The RN also helps you know when to use the 24/7 line for urgent issues.
- Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN). Your LVN supports the RN with focused nursing tasks. This may include scheduled assessments, medication checks, or wound care that the RN orders. Notes from LVN visits roll into your plan so everyone stays in sync.
- Hospice Aide (Home Health Aide). Your aide helps with bathing, grooming, skin care, mouth care, and safe movement. Aides notice subtle changes during personal care that can signal a need to adjust the plan. Many families find aide visits reduce caregiver strain and improve daily comfort.
- Medical Social Worker. Your social worker supports coping, family communication, and planning. They help with practical needs such as paperwork, community resources, and respite options. They also guide conversations about what matters most, which keeps the plan centered on your goals.
- Spiritual Care Provider (Chaplain). Your chaplain offers spiritual and emotional support based on your beliefs and preferences. They can help with life review, legacy activities, or quiet presence. Families often invite the chaplain to join difficult conversations or moments of meaning.
- Bereavement Counselor. Grief support begins while hospice care is active and continues for the family after a death. Counselors offer calls, groups, and resources tailored to adults and teens. Your social worker and chaplain coordinate with bereavement so support feels continuous.
- Volunteers. Trained volunteers provide companionship, brief caregiver breaks, and practical help such as light tasks or reading aloud. Volunteer visits are scheduled to fit your routine and goals.
- Therapists and Specialized Services. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help with safe transfers, positioning, and communication. These services are added when the physician and RN see clear benefits for comfort and safety.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Coordinator. Your team arranges equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen, commode, wheelchair, or pressure-relief surfaces. The RN and aide show you how to use items safely and keep pathways in your home clear.
What To Expect in the First 72 Hours
- Intake call and consent. We confirm your goals, medications, and preferred schedule.
- RN assessment. Your nurse reviews symptoms, teaches comfort strategies, and sets the first medication plan.
- Equipment delivery. We arrange essentials like a hospital bed or oxygen if needed.
- Aide and social worker introductions. We set visit times and discuss caregiver support.
- 24/7 access review. You learn when to call for help, including nights and weekends.
Visit Cadence and After-Hours Support
Your visit schedule changes with your needs. Most families start with weekly RN visits, regular aide support, and social work or chaplain visits as requested. If symptoms escalate, visit frequency increases and telephone support guides immediate steps.
You always have access to an on-call nurse for urgent concerns. Large national references describe this structure; our local team applies it to your exact situation in Burbank and across Los Angeles County.
How the Team Prevents Unnecessary Hospital Trips
- Proactive symptom plans. Clear instructions for pain, shortness of breath, nausea, agitation, and constipation.
- Comfort kit. Medications and supplies at home with simple guides.
- Rapid RN follow-up. If symptoms change, your RN adjusts the plan the same day when possible.
- Caregiver coaching. Hands-on training for safe transfers, skin protection, and positioning.
This coordinated approach is a central function of the hospice team model.
Your Role As the Expert on You
You and your family are at the center of the team. You decide what comfort and quality of life mean right now. You can change the plan at any time. The team listens, adapts, and supports choices that match your values. Large clinical guidance emphasizes shared decisions; your plan is built from those conversations.
Simple Ways To Get More From Each Visit
- Keep a short list of questions on the fridge.
- Track symptoms with a notebook or phone notes.
- Tell the RN what worked and what did not.
- Ask the aide to show you tips for bathing or turning.
- Invite the social worker or chaplain to important family talks.
- Share any changes in appetite, sleep, or mood right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my personal doctor?
Yes. Your hospice physician coordinates with your doctor so care stays consistent.
Is hospice only for cancer?
No. Many conditions qualify, including heart and lung disease and dementia. Your eligibility is based on prognosis and needs.
Do I have to wait until the last days?
No. Many benefits appear when hospice begins earlier, such as stronger symptom control and fewer crises.
Learn More About a Hospice Team
Call (818) 748-3427 if you have questions about who will be part of your care team. Journey Palliative & Hospice supports families across Burbank, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Ventura County, Kern County, and Orange County. We help you start smoothly and adjust the plan as needs change.
