Hospice at Night: What Happens If Something Changes at 2 a.m.?

When Is It Time to Call Hospice?

When you are caring for someone with a serious illness, nighttime can bring a different kind of worry. What happens if pain suddenly gets worse? What if your loved one falls, has trouble breathing or develops a new symptom at 2 a.m.?

With hospice care, you are not expected to handle those moments alone.

Hospice Support Is Available 24/7

Hospice care does not stop when the office closes.

Reserve Care provides 24/7 support for patients and families. If something changes overnight, caregivers can call for guidance and help deciding what to do next.

A hospice nurse can assess what is happening, offer instructions and determine whether additional support is needed. Depending on the situation, a nurse or other member of the care team may come to the home.

When Should You Call Hospice at Night?

Call your hospice team anytime you are concerned about a change in your loved one’s condition. You do not need to wait until morning.

Reasons to call may include:

• New or worsening pain
• Trouble breathing
• Increased agitation, anxiety or confusion
• A fall
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty taking medication
• A sudden change in alertness or responsiveness
• Questions about medications or symptoms
• Any change that makes you unsure about what to do

Even if you are not sure whether something is urgent, call. The hospice team can help you understand what is happening and what steps to take.

Should You Call 911?

For patients receiving hospice care, calling the hospice team first can often help families avoid an unnecessary emergency room visit.

Hospice focuses on comfort and symptom management based on the patient’s goals of care. Your hospice team can help determine the best response when symptoms change.

There may be situations when emergency care is appropriate. If you are unsure, your hospice team can guide you based on your loved one’s condition and wishes.

Preparing for Overnight Changes

Your hospice team will help you prepare before a crisis happens. That may include reviewing medications, explaining symptoms you could see and making sure you know who to call.

Keep the hospice phone number somewhere easy to find and make sure anyone helping with care knows where it is.

Asking questions ahead of time can also help. Consider asking:

• What changes should I expect?
• Which symptoms should prompt a call?
• What medications might we use overnight?
• What happens after I call?
• When would someone come to the home?

Knowing the answers can make an uncertain moment feel more manageable.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

Caring for someone at home can feel especially overwhelming in the middle of the night. Reserve Care’s hospice team is available around the clock to help patients remain comfortable and give families the guidance they need.

If something changes at 2 a.m., you still have someone to call.