Hospice supports families, not just patients
Hospice care is often thought of as support for people nearing the end of life, but it’s also a powerful source of care for the people who love them. In fact, many caregivers tell us that the practical, emotional and spiritual support they received through hospice was just as meaningful to them as the care provided to their loved one.
Caring for someone in hospice isn’t easy, but you’re not alone
Hospice teams include nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers who work together to manage the patient's pain and symptoms while also caring for caregivers and family members. They teach families how to care for their loved ones, help them navigate complex medical decisions, and offer 24/7 access to expert help and reassurance.
For caregivers who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure, the hospice team becomes a steady, trusted presence.
Your Sentara hospice care team
Support that doesn’t end when a loved one needs it most
Most hospice programs, including Sentara’s, offer grief and bereavement services for up to 13 months after a death. These may include counseling, support groups, phone check-ins and memorial services. This ongoing care can make a profound difference in how loved ones cope and heal.
For many families, hospice becomes a gift not only to the person receiving care but also to everyone who loves them.
A family spokesperson can coordinate with hospice to receive updates and share information with other loved ones. This helps ensure clear and consistent communication, allowing the care team to focus on providing timely support. The spokesperson can also help gather the family's questions or concerns and bring them to the hospice team.
Social workers and chaplains are part of the hospice team to offer emotional counseling, spiritual guidance (if desired) and help with coping through anticipatory grief, stress or fear.
We offer support groups and connections to counseling and community resources.We understand that most loved ones are not professional caregivers. Hospice teams teach caregivers what to expect, how to manage symptoms at home and how to provide hands-on care safely and confidently.
We provide 24/7 access to a nurse for questions, reassurance or urgent needs. It’s peace of mind and a real person on your side, no matter when a new symptom or concern arises.
Family members don’t have to navigate new and unfamiliar territory alone.
Caregiving can be exhausting, emotionally and physically. Our hospice team is trained to look for signs of stress and anxiety that may indicate caregivers need a break. Our hospice volunteers may be able to assist with companionship, errands or brief in-home breaks.
Most hospice coverage also includes respite care, in which the patient receives short-term care in a facility so the caregiver can rest. Our hospice team can assist in coordinating this service, including medical transportation of the patient as needed.
Hospice care continues even after the patient has passed. Our team encourages loved ones to seek support for grief and bereavement. Most hospice coverage covers this support to families for up to 13 months.
This may include counseling, memorial services and follow-up calls to check in.
Sentara Hospice offers several opportunities to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones after they pass. It’s also an opportunity to be with loved ones and others experiencing similar emotions. Our hospice nurses can help loved ones connect to bereavement support and memorial services in your area.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day memorial services
Each year in our Halifax service area, special memorial services are planned in May and June for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. These events are for anyone in the community to join us in honoring their mothers and fathers who have passed. Call our volunteer coordinator in our Halifax office at 434-517-6752 for more information.
Camp Beacon
Camp Beacon is a two-day camp for children and teens dealing with the loss of a loved one. Trained professionals and volunteers help children and their families explore grief-related issues, walking alongside them as they take the steps needed to heal.
The camp is for children from kindergarten through teens and young adults who have experienced the death of a close family member or loved one in the past two years. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are also encouraged to participate in their own adult group.