Hospice and palliative services provide medical and supportive care for individuals experiencing serious or life-limiting illness.
These services focus on symptom management, quality of life, and coordinated support for both patients and families.
Hospice and palliative care are distinct but related.
Palliative care may be introduced at any stage of a serious illness.
It focuses on:
• Symptom management (pain, breathing difficulty, nausea)
• Care coordination
• Clarifying goals of treatment
• Supporting complex medical decision-making
Palliative care may be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatment.
Hospice care is typically introduced when a medical provider determines that life expectancy may be limited and the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort-centered care.
Hospice services may include:
• Skilled nursing visits
• Medication management for comfort
• Equipment and medical supplies
• Social work and counseling support
• On-call clinical response
• Bereavement follow-up for families
Hospice services may be delivered in the home, residential facilities, or dedicated hospice settings depending on availability.
Families may consider these services when:
• Serious illness progresses despite treatment
• Hospitalizations become frequent
• Symptom burden increases
• Goals of care shift toward comfort
• Medical teams recommend supportive focus
These transitions are often guided by physicians and discharge planners.
In Maine, hospice eligibility is typically determined by a medical provider.
For questions regarding service eligibility or publicly funded support, families may contact:
Maine’s Assessing Services Agency
Phone: 833-525-5784
Email: Maine-ASA@maximus.com
Email: Ask-MaineASA@maximus.com
Hospice agencies may also be contacted directly to discuss referral requirements.
Southern Maine — Hospice & Palliative Support
Mid Coast Maine — Hospice & Palliative Support
Central & Western Maine — Hospice & Palliative Support
Downeast Maine — Hospice & Palliative Support
Northern Maine — Hospice & Palliative Support
Hospice and palliative providers operate independently. Eligibility criteria, service scope, and availability vary. Inclusion in this registry does not constitute endorsement or guarantee of services.