Nurse on call 24/7. Medicare covers hospice for eligible patients. Call (714) 790-0594.
If someone you love in Lake Forest needs more help with a serious illness, you can talk with us about comfort-focused care. We visit where your loved one lives and help your family understand what to do between visits.
What hospice means for your family
Hospice treats pain and other symptoms of a life-limiting illness, with emotional and practical support for your family. It focuses on comfort rather than treatment intended to cure the terminal illness.
Doctors review whether your loved one has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. Care can continue beyond six months while they remain eligible. You can ask questions before deciding; our eligibility guide explains more.
The people who help, and when they visit
- A nurse checks symptoms, coordinates care with the doctors, and shows you what to do between visits.
- A hospice aide helps with personal care, including bathing and dressing.
- A social worker helps with practical concerns and finding resources.
- A chaplain offers spiritual support that respects your family’s beliefs.
We discuss the visit schedule as part of the care plan and adjust it as needs change. Routine hospice visits do not mean a nurse stays in the home all day. Tell us who is helping with daily care so we can talk through what your family needs.
Our team supports families in English, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, and Thai. Tell us your preferred language when you call. You can meet our team before starting care.
What Medicare covers, and what may cost extra
For eligible patients, Medicare covers hospice care from a Medicare-approved provider, including the team’s care and medicines, supplies, and equipment for the terminal illness and related conditions.
You pay nothing for covered hospice services, though Medicare allows a copayment of up to $5 per outpatient prescription for pain and symptom management. You may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for arranged inpatient respite care.
Medicare does not cover regular room and board at home or in a care facility. Short inpatient stays arranged by hospice for symptom management or respite are different. Talk with your hospice team before arranging other care for the terminal illness.
Medi-Cal and private insurance benefits vary. We review your coverage with you before care begins. Read Medicare’s hospice coverage information or our guide to caregiver respite.
Getting started, one step at a time
- Tell us what is happening. Call with your questions, whether your loved one is at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility.
- Review their needs together. Share their doctor’s contact details, medicines, and insurance information if available. We explain the assessment and paperwork.
- Make a care plan. If the doctors confirm eligibility and your loved one chooses hospice, we discuss visits and arrange the medicines and equipment needed for their care.
You can read our first-call and first-visit guide. If your loved one is leaving a hospital, ask their discharge planner to contact us so care arrangements can be discussed.
Local help in Lake Forest
Hospice can be provided in a private home, assisted living community, or skilled nursing facility. Our office is in Buena Park, not a separate clinic in each community. Tell us your loved one’s address and care setting when you call.
Lake Forest's senior services page connects families with The Clubhouse Senior Center and a directory of health, legal, and recreational resources.
It also explains how to find door-to-door senior transportation. If an older caregiver needs help getting out for their own appointments or activities, check the city's current eligibility and booking details. These resources are separate from the hospice team visiting your loved one.
Lake Forest community resource details. Community programs have their own eligibility rules and availability; they are separate from Orange Hospice.
Questions families ask
What if we need help in the middle of the night?
Call (714) 790-0594. A registered nurse is on call 24/7 for guidance over the phone or a bedside visit when needed. Tell the nurse what has changed so they can help you decide what to do next.
Can hospice start while my loved one is in a hospital or care home in Lake Forest?
Hospice can be provided in a care facility. Tell us where your loved one is, and ask their care team or discharge planner to contact us about eligibility and arrangements. We will discuss whether care can be arranged in that setting.
Can our own doctor remain involved?
Yes. Your chosen attending doctor can remain involved alongside the hospice medical director. Let us know whom your loved one would like involved in their care.
Does hospice replace a full-time caregiver?
No. Hospice includes aide visits but does not replace ongoing help with cooking, cleaning, supervision, or daily caregiving. Tell us what help you already have and where the gaps are so we can discuss your options.
Nearby areas and other communities
For someone living elsewhere, see Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Irvine. You can also browse the Orange County page.
Talk with us about your loved one
You do not need every answer before you call. Tell us what has changed and what your family needs help with.
Call (714) 790-0594 Send a question
For healthcare professionals: refer a patient. Already receiving hospice? Ask about transferring care.