Focused on Your Comfort and Care
At Sanford Hospice, our end-of-life care focuses on uplifting every patient’s quality of life. We provide patients and their families with the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need through the next steps of life’s journey.
Hospice Services
We offer compassionate care from specialists who will cater to your unique needs and focus on your dignity and well-being. Hospice care is available at home, in the hospital, or in an assisted living or long-term care center.
Our hospice services include:
- Pain management from palliative care physicians
- Help with daily challenges
- Full-spectrum end-of-life care
- Respite care
- Bereavement and grief counseling for friends and family
Our team includes nurses, religious care providers, pharmacists, trained volunteers and social workers. You’ll work with different specialists according to your needs.
Pediatric Hospice Care
Rely on us for quality care and support for you and your child. Your family will have around-the-clock access to a team of specially trained pediatric hospice experts including nurses, pastoral care providers, clinical pharmacists and social workers.
Find a Pediatric Hospice Location.
Hospice Care for All Ages at Ava’s House
Ava’s House, an acute-level, inpatient hospice facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, provides 24-hour nursing care to patients of all ages in a home-like environment. It ensures patients and families have a comforting place to turn when symptoms and pain are beyond the scope of care currently provided in other settings.
Family and friends are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their loved ones. Each adult suite has an adjacent family room with a sleeper sofa where a loved one can spend the night. Pediatric suites include an adjoining room for the family with a sleeper sofa, laundry, kitchen, children’s playroom, reflection room, family showers and patio access.
Ava’s House honors Ava Holder, who passed away from cancer at 4 years old. Call (605) 404-4800 to schedule a tour.
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care
Hospice care is typically part of end-of-life care. Palliative care benefits patients at all stages of a chronic or difficult illness. Hospice and palliative care both focus on improving quality of life.
FAQ
What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. This specialized care helps them live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment.
A team of professionals works together to manage symptoms so that a person's last days may be spent with dignity. Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
While hospice provides physical and emotional support to people who are in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment, palliative care provides that same support to patients with severe or chronic illnesses.
Palliative care is not just for end-of-life care. It focuses on treating the symptoms of a condition to provide pain relief and improve the patient’s quality of life. Patients at all stages of a chronic or difficult illness can benefit from palliative care.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care can take place wherever a person lives, including:
- Home: Most hospice care is provided in a person’s home, whether that home is an individual residence, senior apartment or assisted living apartment. Research has shown that hospice care at home helps the entire family. Family members can feel involved in their loved one’s care and the person is surrounded by family and friends all while being supported by a hospice team.
- Inpatient hospice center: An inpatient center can provide people with hospice services when there is no caregiver at home, or if a person needs medical services that can't be done at home.
- Long-term care center: Many nursing homes and long-term care centers have hospice units with trained staff. These units are for people who don't have a caregiver at home or for people who may need medical services that can’t be provided at home.
Some hospitals also have a designated hospice unit. These units provide medical and emotional support to patients who need help with symptom management.
How do I pay for hospice care?
Hospice care is a benefit under Medicare Part A, South Dakota Medicaid and most private insurers. Sanford Hospice provides services regardless of your ability to pay. Find out how to apply for hospice care coverage through Medicare and Medicaid.
Read more about payment options.
Hospice care coverage by Medicare needs certification from a health care provider that the person has a life-limiting condition.
To learn more, visit the Medicare website or find local help at State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPS).
Is hospice care only for older adults?
Hospice care is for patients of all ages and can be provided in a variety of settings.
We provide comfort for children and families. Learn more about our pediatric hospice services.
Ways You Can Help
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Classes & Events
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Caring For Your Newborn
Mon 11/24/25 6:30 PM - Mon 11/24/25 8:30 PM
Sanford Moorhead Campus -
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Infant Crying and Caregiver Support
Mon 11/24/25 6:30 PM - Mon 11/24/25 8:00 PM
Sanford Clinic Moorhead