Hospice & Palliative Care
Comfort-focused care for serious and terminal illness
Hospice focuses on comfort when a cure is no longer the goal, typically for a life expectancy of six months or less, and is fully covered by Medicare. Palliative care is comfort-focused care at any stage of serious illness — even alongside curative treatment. Both involve an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers working together to support both the patient and the family.
What to look for when choosing a provider
How quickly can they start services after a referral?
What is their response time for urgent calls — especially at night and on weekends?
Do they have a dedicated bereavement program for family members after death?
Do they have an inpatient facility for crisis care when home management isn't enough?
What happens if the patient's condition improves and they no longer qualify for hospice?
Do they serve your specific zip code?
Alive Hospice
Nashville's largest nonprofit hospice and the gold standard for end-of-life care in Middle Tennessee. Known for excellent family communication, their dedicated inpatient facility on Granny White Pike, and an outstanding bereavement support program that continues for 13 months after death.
Vanderbilt Palliative Care
The palliative care program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is nationally recognized. If your loved one is a VUMC patient with a serious illness, ask their doctor for a palliative care consult. This team specializes in complex symptom management and difficult conversations.
Amedisys Hospice – Nashville
A large, Medicare-certified hospice with strong clinical protocols. Good option for families who want a well-resourced agency with proven systems. Their 24/7 nurse line is reliably responsive — critical when you need help at 2 a.m.
Caris Healthcare – Nashville
Nonprofit hospice with a strong faith-based foundation and excellent chaplaincy services. If spiritual care is important to your family, Caris is worth a serious look. Their chaplains are among the most skilled in the region.
Centerwell Hospice
Large national provider with broad coverage across Middle Tennessee. Strong infrastructure means reliable backup coverage and consistent care. Good option for families in outlying counties who need a provider with wide geographic reach.
Elara Caring Hospice
Strong behavioral health integration makes Elara particularly good for patients with both serious illness and mental health challenges. Their interdisciplinary team approach is thorough and well-coordinated.
Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care
Known for their music therapy program and creative approaches to comfort care. If quality of life and meaningful experiences matter to your family — and they should — Seasons brings a thoughtful, whole-person approach.
Saint Thomas Hospice
Part of the Ascension Saint Thomas system. Strong integration with Saint Thomas hospitals makes transitions from inpatient to home hospice smoother. Good choice for families already in the Ascension care network.
When Is the Right Time to Call Hospice?
Most families wait too long. This guide explains what hospice is, what it isn't, and when to ask.
Read the guide