Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care in Marion County: What Families Need to Know

In Marion County, hospice and palliative care services offer critical support for individuals with serious illness and their families. This guide explains what these services include, who qualifies, and how to find trusted local providers in the Indianapolis area.

What’s the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?

Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for individuals in the final stages of a terminal illness, typically with a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care, on the other hand, can begin earlier in the disease process and is appropriate for patients receiving curative treatments.

Both services address pain, stress, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual needs—but they differ in timing and goals of care.

Learn more from the National Institute on Aging.

Who Qualifies for Hospice or Palliative Care in Indiana?

For residents of Marion County (Indianapolis) there are several providers of Hospice Care.

In Indiana, a person is eligible for Medicare-covered hospice care if two physicians certify they have a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care can begin at any time and may be provided alongside ongoing treatments.

To check if your loved one qualifies, visit Medicare’s hospice eligibility guidelines.

Local Resources for Hospice and Palliative Care in Marion County

Indianapolis families have access to several respected providers:

• Franciscan Health Indianapolis: Offers both in-hospital palliative care and home-based hospice services (Franciscan Health).

• IU Health Hospice: Provides palliative consults and end-of-life care throughout Central Indiana (IU Health).

• Heartland Hospice: A community-based hospice provider serving Marion County with 24/7 care and family support (Heartland Hospice).

You can also use the Medicare Care Compare tool to search for highly rated hospice agencies near your ZIP code.

When Is the Right Time to Start?

Many families wait too long to seek hospice or palliative care, missing the full benefit these services provide. Signs it may be time include:

• Frequent hospitalizations

• Progressive decline in health

• Increased need for pain relief or caregiver support

• Emotional or spiritual distress in the patient

If you're unsure, speak to your primary care provider or contact a hospice agency directly for an assessment.

Support for Caregivers and Families

Caring for a loved one in the final stages of life is emotionally and physically exhausting. Thankfully, many organizations in Marion County offer caregiver respite, grief counseling, and support groups. One local resource is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, which provides referrals and aging-related services.

Find Compassionate Care in Marion County

End-of-life care is deeply personal. If you need help choosing a trusted local provider, visit our Preferred Provider List. We highlight senior care organizations in Marion County that prioritize dignity, transparency, and emotional support.