Resources for families
A printable packet for families on hospice
Four one-page sheets to print and keep by the phone: a checklist for the first week of hospice, a card that says who to call at 2 a.m., the steps to follow when someone dies at home, and a log for the medicines you give. Each one carries the number a hospice nurse answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hospitals, facilities and social workers are welcome to print them for families.
Medically reviewed by Oscar Chien, MD, Medical Director, November 9, 2026
On this page (2 sections)
The four sheets
Each is a one-page PDF sized for letter paper. They print well in black and white.
The first week of hospice: a checklist
What to gather before the admission visit, what happens at it, and what to expect in the first week, with space for the names of your care team.
First-week checklist (PDF)Who to call at 2 a.m.
A refrigerator card with the number a hospice nurse answers at any hour, what to call about, what to have ready, and when 911 is and is not the right call. Two wallet cards to cut out.
Who-to-call card (PDF)When your loved one dies at home
The steps in order, from taking your time to the death certificate, and the support that comes afterwards.
When someone dies at home (PDF)Medication log
A page to write down each dose you give: the time, the medicine, the amount, why, and whether it helped. Read it to the nurse when you call.
Medication log (PDF)How to use the packet
Print the who-to-call card first and put it on the refrigerator, where anyone in the house can find it at night. Keep the medication log next to the comfort medicines, with a pen. Print more copies of the log as you need them.
The sheets are short on purpose. Each one points to a longer guide on this site: what happens in the first week, signs that death is near, can you call 911 on hospice?, what to do when your loved one dies at home and the comfort kit.
En espa帽ol: paquete para la familia.
About this page
- Written by
- Beta Hospice care team
- Medically reviewed by
- Oscar Chien, MD, Medical Director
- Last reviewed
- November 9, 2026
- Next review
- May 9, 2027
How we write and review this site
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Hospice care coverage (opens in a new tab)
- National Institute on Aging: End of life (opens in a new tab)
These sources support the general information on this page. For one person鈥檚 care and coverage, talk with the hospice team.
You do not have to decide alone.
Call (877) 258-7129 any time, or leave your number and someone from Beta's hospice team will call you. No decision is needed to call. Most families start with a question.
Only a hospice doctor, together with the person鈥檚 own doctor, can confirm hospice eligibility. A website cannot.
- A nurse answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- You can stop hospice at any time
- You have the right to choose your hospice