Hospice Care That Honors Every Moment That Remains
When a life-limiting illness changes what's possible, compassionate hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and meaningful time — in the place you call home.
Contact Our Care TeamServing Monterey County & the Central Coast for 75 years — nonprofit, community-trusted care.
Contact VNA & Hospice
A VNA Nurse Care Coordinator is available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help arrange the right care plan for your family.
(831) 375-9882Team members available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I Am A VNA Hospice Patient
Nancy Jo Clark, VNA & Hospice Patient — Monterey, Hollister, King City
Care Focused on Comfort, Dignity & Quality of Life
VNA's approach to hospice is grounded in a belief that every person deserves to live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care is not about giving up — it is about choosing comfort, presence, and peace.
- Specialized care for those facing a life-limiting illness — and their families
- Addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the whole person
- Delivered in the patient's home, nursing home, or residential care setting
- Focuses on managing pain and symptoms so each day is as comfortable as possible
- Supports families — not just patients — through every stage of the journey
- Quality of life matters as much as length of life
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a compassionate, team-oriented model of care designed for individuals facing a life-limiting illness. Rather than pursuing curative treatments, hospice shifts focus to what matters most — quality of life, comfort, and the opportunity to spend meaningful time with loved ones.
It is considered the gold standard of care for serious illness. The VNA hospice approach addresses every dimension of a person's experience: physical pain and symptoms, emotional wellbeing, social connection, and spiritual needs. And it extends its support to the entire family — before and after a loved one's passing.
Hospice care takes place wherever you call home — your residence, a nursing home, a residential care facility, or a hospital setting when a contractual agreement is in place.
Signs That Hospice May Be Appropriate
Hospice care may be right when a physician has determined that a person has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. It is appropriate for individuals of any age, religion, race, or diagnosis.
It is appropriate to discuss hospice as an option at any point during a life-limiting illness — not only at the very end. Exploring care options early gives families more time to make informed, thoughtful decisions.
Patients and family members may also self-refer and request an evaluation for eligibility.
VNA Hospice Offices
- 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Monterey, CA
- 6 San Miguel Avenue, Salinas, CA
- 321 San Felipe Drive, Ste #10, Hollister, CA
- 400 Canal St, Suite A, King City, CA
The Benefits of Hospice Care at Home
Hospice care doesn't shorten life — research consistently shows it improves quality of life and can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, bringing peace of mind to patients and families alike.
Expert Pain & Symptom Management
Skilled clinicians focus on reducing pain and managing difficult symptoms so patients can spend their time as comfortably as possible.
Care in the Comfort of Home
Hospice is delivered wherever the patient calls home — offering comfort, familiarity, and the presence of the people who matter most.
Support for the Whole Family
VNA hospice cares for the entire family — providing education, emotional support, and guidance throughout the journey and beyond.
Dignity & Respect
Care is tailored to each patient's needs and wishes — honoring their values, identity, and the way they want to live their remaining time.
Emotional & Spiritual Care
Chaplains and social workers address spiritual needs and emotional wellbeing for both patients and the loved ones surrounding them.
Ongoing Bereavement Support
VNA's bereavement services continue after a loved one passes — providing grief support and guidance to families for up to 13 months.
An Interdisciplinary Team, Dedicated to You
VNA's hospice approach draws on the combined expertise of multiple healthcare professionals working together with one shared purpose: supporting your comfort, dignity, and quality of life — and caring for your family throughout the journey.
Hospice Medical Team
- Medical Director providing clinical leadership
- Nurse Practitioner overseeing symptom management
- Coordination with your primary physician
Skilled Nurse Case Managers
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
- Regular home visits and ongoing monitoring
- Pain and symptom assessment and management
- Family education and guidance
Medical Social Workers
- Emotional support and counseling for patients and families
- Coordination of community resources
- Advance care planning guidance
Hospice Aides
- Assistance with personal care and hygiene
- Comfort-focused daily support
- Vital sign monitoring as directed
Chaplains
- Spiritual care honoring all beliefs and traditions
- Presence and comfort during difficult moments
- Support for patients and family members
Bereavement Specialists
- Grief counseling and support before and after loss
- Ongoing bereavement follow-up for families
- Connection to community grief resources
Trained Volunteers
- Companionship and presence
- Complementary therapies including massage, pet therapy, and reiki
- Veteran to Veteran support program
Have questions about who will be caring for your loved one?
Contact Our Care TeamComplementary & Volunteer-Provided Support
VNA's hospice volunteers bring compassion and comfort in ways that extend beyond medicine — enriching the experience of patients and families through meaningful human connection.
Pet Therapy
Trained therapy animals bring comfort, calm, and joy during visits.
Music & Reiki Therapy
Soothing practices that support relaxation, comfort, and emotional wellbeing.
Veteran to Veteran
Volunteer veterans provide peer support and companionship to veteran patients.
Companionship & Presence
Volunteers offer meaningful time, conversation, and a compassionate presence.
How Hospice Care Begins
Hospice care typically begins as soon as a formal request or referral is made. The process is designed to be clear, prompt, and supportive — with your family at the center of every decision.
Contact VNA or Self-Refer
Call VNA or ask your physician for a referral. Patients and families may also self-refer and request an eligibility evaluation.
Prompt Initial Visit
A VNA team member schedules a visit quickly — based on the needs of the patient, family, and care team.
Physician Orders Care
Your physician is involved to authorize hospice care, and services begin as soon as requested.
Personalized Plan of Care
An interdisciplinary care plan is created around the patient's unique needs, goals, and wishes — adjusted as those needs evolve.
How Hospice Care Is Covered
Hospice care is available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness. Coverage is broad and often covers the full cost of care. Our team can help you understand your eligibility and benefits — without pressure or confusion.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers all visits from the hospice team, as well as medications, durable medical equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness. Medicare may also cover brief inpatient respite stays when needed. Coverage under private plans varies — our team will help you confirm your benefits.
As a nonprofit provider, VNA is committed to making hospice care accessible to all who need it. We help families navigate coverage, answer questions about eligibility, and ensure care begins without delay.
Contact Our Care TeamFrequently Asked Questions
QWhen should a decision about hospice care be made?
It is appropriate to discuss hospice at any time during a life-limiting illness. Although end-of-life care can be difficult to discuss, sharing wishes early — long before it becomes urgent — can greatly reduce stress and improve overall quality of life for everyone involved.
QDoes choosing hospice mean giving up?
Not at all. Hospice is a choice to prioritize comfort, quality of life, and meaningful time. Research shows that patients receiving hospice care often live as long as — or longer than — those who continue aggressive treatment, and report a higher quality of life.
QHow does hospice care begin?
Hospice care typically starts as soon as a formal request or referral is made. A VNA team member will schedule a visit promptly. Patients, family members, or physicians may initiate the referral — and self-referral is also an option.
QIs hospice covered by Medicare?
Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100% of hospice care under Medicare Part A for eligible patients — including all team visits, medications related to the terminal illness, and durable medical equipment. Medi-Cal also covers hospice at 100%.
QWhat is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care provides symptom relief and support alongside curative treatments at any stage of illness. Hospice care is specifically for individuals nearing the end of life when the focus has shifted to comfort over curative treatment. Both prioritize quality of life.
QCan hospice care take place outside the home?
Yes. While hospice is most commonly provided in a patient's own home, VNA can also coordinate care in nursing homes, residential care facilities, or hospitals — wherever the patient calls home.
QWhat happens if a patient's condition improves?
If a patient's condition stabilizes or improves, hospice care may be paused and the patient can transition back to curative treatment. Hospice enrollment is not permanent — the decision can be revisited at any time.
Still have questions? Our Care Coordinators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (831) 375-9882You Don't Have to Face This Alone
For 75 years, Central Coast VNA & Hospice has walked alongside families across the Central Coast during their most difficult moments — with compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to dignity and comfort. If you or someone you love may benefit from hospice care, we are here — whenever you are ready.
Contact Our Care Team Today