What Equipment Does Hospice Provide? A Complete Guide for Families
- Alicia Kimmel
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), more than 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice care each year, and many of them rely on medical equipment that allows them to remain comfortable in their own homes rather than in a hospital or nursing facility.
One of the most common questions families ask after choosing hospice is:
"What equipment does hospice provide?"
The good news is that hospice is designed to remove as many barriers as possible to keeping your loved one safe, comfortable, and cared for at home. Most hospice providers supply the medical equipment and supplies that are related to the patient's terminal illness—often delivering them within hours of admission.
Here's what you can expect.
What Equipment Does Hospice Provide?
The exact equipment provided depends on your loved one's medical condition, symptoms, and physician's orders. Hospice teams continually assess changing needs and can add or remove equipment as the patient's condition changes.
Common hospice equipment includes:
Hospital bed
Mattress/Pressure-relieving mattress
Wheelchair
Walker
Rollator
Transport wheelchair
Bedside commode
Shower chair
Over-bed table
Patient lift (Hoyer lift)
Oxygen concentrator
Portable oxygen tanks
Nebulizer
Suction machine
Not every patient will need every item. Hospice focuses on providing equipment that improves comfort, safety, and quality of life.
Does Hospice Provide a Hospital Bed?
Yes.
A hospital bed is one of the most commonly provided pieces of hospice equipment.
Hospital beds can help:
Reduce pain by allowing easier positioning
Make breathing easier by elevating the head of the bed
Help caregivers safely assist with transfers
Reduce the risk of pressure injuries
Improve overall comfort
Many families worry about having a hospital bed in the home, but patients often become much more comfortable once it is delivered.
Does Hospice Provide Oxygen?
Yes, if oxygen is medically necessary for the patient's comfort.
Hospice may provide:
Oxygen concentrator
Portable oxygen tanks
Nasal cannulas
Oxygen tubing
Humidifiers (when appropriate)
Hospice also teaches families how to safely operate the equipment and when oxygen should be used.
Does Hospice Provide Wheelchairs and Walkers?
Yes.
If mobility becomes difficult, hospice can often provide:
Standard wheelchairs
Transport chairs
Walkers
Rollators
Canes (when appropriate)
These devices help reduce fall risk while allowing patients to remain as independent as possible.
Does Hospice Provide Bathroom Equipment?
Yes.
Bathroom safety becomes increasingly important as illnesses progress.
Hospice commonly provides:
Bedside commodes
Shower chairs
Raised toilet seats (when appropriate)
Transfer benches
These items make daily activities safer for both patients and caregivers.
Does Hospice Provide Medical Supplies?
In addition to equipment, hospice typically provides many medical supplies related to the terminal diagnosis.
These may include:
Adult briefs
Gloves
Underpads (chux)
Wound care supplies
Dressings
Catheter supplies
Ostomy supplies
Incontinence products
Personal protective equipment
Oral swabs
The exact supplies depend on each patient's individual needs.
Does Hospice Provide Medications?
These commonly include medications used to manage:
Pain
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Nausea
Constipation
Secretions
Agitation
Hospice nurses explain each medication and ensure families know when and how to administer them.
Who Decides What Equipment Is Needed?
The hospice care team works together to determine what equipment is appropriate.
This typically includes:
Hospice physician
Nurse
Social worker
Medical director
Other members of the interdisciplinary team
Equipment is ordered based on the patient's symptoms, mobility, safety needs, and overall comfort—not simply based on diagnosis.
As needs change, additional equipment can often be delivered quickly.
How Quickly Does Hospice Deliver Equipment?
In many cases, equipment is delivered the same day hospice services begin.
Urgent equipment—such as oxygen or a hospital bed—is often delivered within just a few hours.
Hospice works with durable medical equipment (DME) companies to ensure patients receive what they need as quickly as possible.
Is Hospice Equipment Free?
For patients who qualify for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, equipment related to the terminal illness is generally covered.
Most patients do not receive separate bills for covered hospice equipment.
Coverage may vary depending on:
Medicare
Medicaid
Private insurance
Veterans benefits
Your hospice provider can explain exactly what is covered under your individual plan.
Can Equipment Be Changed Later?
Absolutely.
Hospice care is designed to adapt as the patient's condition changes.
For example:
A patient may initially need only a walker.
Weeks later, hospice may deliver:
Hospital bed
Oxygen
Bedside commode
Wheelchair
The hospice team reassesses needs regularly to ensure patients remain as comfortable and safe as possible.
Hospice Focuses on Comfort, Not Just Equipment
While equipment is an important part of hospice care, it is only one piece of the support hospice provides.
Hospice also offers:
Skilled nursing care
Physician oversight
Medication management
Social work services
Spiritual care
Hospice aides
Volunteer support
Bereavement services for families
The goal is to care for the whole person while supporting those who love them.
Key Takeaways
Hospice provides medical equipment related to the patient's terminal illness and comfort needs.
Common equipment includes hospital beds, oxygen, wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs, and pressure-relieving mattresses.
Hospice also supplies many medical supplies and medications needed to manage symptoms at home.
Equipment is selected based on the patient's individual needs and can be adjusted as those needs change.
For most patients enrolled under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, covered hospice equipment is provided at no additional cost.
The hospice team coordinates equipment delivery, often on the same day services begin, so patients can remain comfortable and safe at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment does hospice provide?
Hospice commonly provides hospital beds, oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs, pressure-relieving mattresses, suction machines, nebulizers, and other medical equipment related to the patient's terminal illness and comfort needs.
Does hospice provide a hospital bed?
Yes. Hospital beds are one of the most frequently provided pieces of hospice equipment and can improve comfort, positioning, breathing, and caregiver safety.
Does hospice provide oxygen?
Yes. If oxygen is medically necessary for symptom relief, hospice generally provides an oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen tanks, tubing, and related supplies.
Does hospice provide wheelchairs and walkers?
Yes. Hospice often supplies wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, and rollators when they are needed to improve mobility and reduce fall risk.
Does hospice provide medical supplies?
Yes. Hospice commonly provides supplies such as gloves, adult briefs, wound care products, catheter supplies, underpads, dressings, and other items related to the patient's terminal illness.
Is hospice equipment covered by Medicare?
For patients who qualify for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, medical equipment related to the terminal illness is generally covered with no separate charge to the patient.
Can hospice add more equipment later?
Yes. As a patient's condition changes, the hospice team can reassess their needs and arrange for additional equipment or supplies to be delivered when appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Wondering what equipment hospice provides is one of the first questions many families ask—and for good reason. Medical equipment can make everyday care safer, easier, and far more comfortable for both patients and caregivers.
From hospital beds and oxygen to wheelchairs, bedside commodes, and medical supplies, hospice works to ensure patients have the tools they need to remain comfortable wherever they call home.
If you're considering hospice for yourself or a loved one, don't hesitate to ask what equipment may be available. Every patient's needs are unique, and your hospice team will help determine the right equipment at the right time.
Continue Learning About Hospice Care
Choosing hospice often comes with many questions, and understanding what to expect can help families feel more prepared and confident. Explore our additional hospice education articles to learn about hospice eligibility, the services hospice provides, and what you can expect throughout the end-of-life journey.
Hospice Symptom Management: How Hospice Keeps Patients Comfortable
How to Choose the Right Hospice Care Provider: Essential Questions to Consider
Who Pays for Hospice Care? Understanding Hospice Coverage and Costs
How Hospice Care Supports Families Emotionally and Practically
Benefits of Home Hospice Care for Patients and Families
Looking for more helpful information? Explore our Hospice Education, Health & Disease Education, Community Resources, and Emotional Wellness & Support categories for compassionate guidance, practical resources, emotional support and answers to common questions about hospice care, caregiving, chronic illness, and the end-of-life journey.
Why Families Trust Oasis Hospice:
Oasis Hospice has been recognized as one of the highest-rated hospice providers based on Medicare.gov quality ratings. Families searching for compassionate, high-quality hospice support can compare hospice providers and learn more through Medicare.gov Care Compare. For additional education, caregiving guidance, and end-of-life support resources, families may also find helpful information through the Hospice Foundation of America.
From Houston to Huntsville, Houston to Livingston, and the many communities in between, Oasis Hospice is committed to providing compassionate hospice care, guidance, and support for patients and families during life’s most difficult moments. If you or a loved one have questions about hospice support services, Oasis Hospice is here to help families throughout Southeast Texas navigate care with compassion, dignity, and guidance every step of the way. To learn more about our hospice services and family support resources, please visit our website below.
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