By Noël Durman
Caregiving for someone in hospice is an act of love and it asks a lot of us. Over time, it’s not unusual for caregivers to feel stretched thin. Many families tell us that bringing in extra help for just a few hours each week made a real difference, giving them space to rest, regroup and breathe.
Goodwin Hospice patients and their loved ones can benefit from Friendly Visit volunteers who provide non-medical support to patients and their loved ones who are acting as caregivers. They offer companionship for patients and brief respite for their loved ones. They can even help with limited shopping and errands, depending on the volunteer’s willingness and availability.
Yet, oftentimes the need is greater than what a volunteer can fill. That’s when loved ones can look to outside services for caregiving help.
The Benefits of Hiring Caregiving Support
When Peter G. and his wife left the hospital so that she could return to her home for hospice care, the time together back in their own space felt like a gift. “As the weeks went on, though, it became clear that the level of care she needed was more than I could manage alone,” he shared. “I was willing to do whatever was necessary, but being the only caregiver was exhausting—both physically and emotionally.”
Peter recognized that he needed help in order to continue caring for her while making their remaining time together meaningful. “We decided to bring in additional in-home caregiving support, starting small with basic personal care a few hours a day, three days a week,” he said. “As we became more comfortable, we gradually increased the hours to five days a week.”
“That support made all the difference,” Peter continued. “It gave me time to rest and recharge, and it allowed me to spend more meaningful time with my wife—talking, being present and sharing moments with the many friends and family members who came to visit. Not having to manage every detail of daily care meant I could focus on what mattered most: loving her and offering the emotional support she needed during her final days.”
What Types of Caregiving Help Are Available?
Understanding the range of support options can help families make informed choices as their loved one’s needs evolve. There are two main types of caregiving services that hospice patients might need.
Skilled care includes support from a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) for administering medications, feeding tubes, respiratory equipment or other skilled (medical) tasks.
Home care is usually non-medical, assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and toileting (also known as personal care). Additionally, home care aides can help with meal prep and light housekeeping.
Home care agencies are licensed and insured. In addition to personal care, some home care agencies offer medication management or skilled nursing services. If you hire through a home care agency, they will handle employee screening, training, scheduling and backup coverage.
In some areas, there may be professional caregivers available for private hire. If you choose private hire caregivers, it may cost less, but you will need to manage employee screening, scheduling, payment and backup coverage.
How Much Does It Cost?
Before making any decisions about hiring additional care, it’s important to understand what financial support is available and what expenses you may need to plan for.
Skilled nursing care and home care for hospice patients are not usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance. Long-term care insurance programs may cover some of the costs for these services.
In 2025, the average cost of home care was $25-35 per hour. Skilled nursing care cost an average of $50-80 per hour. Many agencies have four-to-six-hour minimum visits, and these rates can vary by level of care and shift length.
Peter acknowledged that “hiring additional care wasn’t inexpensive. While we were fortunate to have long-term care insurance that covered some of the cost, much of it came out of savings.”
“Even so,” he continued, “I have no regrets. It was well worth it, and I’ll always be grateful for the care my wife received and for the support it gave me.”
Considering Extra Help: Where to Begin
If the process of hiring in-home help feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry. There are a few simple steps that you can take that will help you get the resources you need.
1. Connect With Your Hospice Social Worker
If you’re thinking about hiring additional support for your loved one, your hospice social worker is a valuable resource. They can guide you through the available options and help you understand what forms of assistance are accessible. They can also connect you with community or county resources, or be there alongside you when you make that first call.
Goodwin Hospice Social Worker Christine C. shares, “Start small. You don’t need to find the ‘perfect match’ right away. Many families begin with just a few hours a week or try a short trial shift. You can adjust as needs change, and you can always switch caregivers if the fit isn’t right. You are still the heart of the care team.”
2. Know the Key Questions to Ask
As you explore your options for hiring additional support, it’s helpful to ask a few key questions to ensure you find the best fit for your loved one’s needs:
- What happens if my caregiver calls out?
- Do you have experience with my loved one’s condition?
- Can we request the same caregiver consistently?
- What tasks are outside your scope?
- How soon can services begin?
As you move forward, remember that you have resources to help guide each step. Asking thoughtful questions, considering your family’s unique needs, and leaning on your hospice team will empower you to make decisions that truly honor your loved one’s wishes and well-being.
For additional guidance on hiring in-home caregivers, you may find this resource helpful: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/hiring-home-help/
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Noël Durman is Director of Hospice Giving at the Goodwin Living Foundation, where she works to connect donors with the meaningful care Goodwin Hospice provides every day. She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience spanning international conservation, conflict resolution and services for older adults.
