The 5 Best Hospice and Advanced Illness Care Providers in the DMV (2026)

As the population across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia rapidly ages, high-quality elder care has become more crucial than ever. Nearly every community in the DMV region is seeing more seniors than children – for example, Fairfax County added almost 7,000 seniors in one recent year while gaining only 751 children. Overall, the Washington area’s 60+ population jumped 15% in five years, reflecting a nationwide wave in which 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. This demographic shift drives growing demand for compassionate hospice services, palliative care for serious illnesses, and supportive programs to help older adults age in place with dignity. Fortunately, the DMV region is home to several outstanding organizations specializing in advanced illness and end-of-life care.

In this authoritative review, we rank Capital Caring Health as the “Best Overall” provider of hospice and advanced illness care in the DMV, backed by its unparalleled breadth of services, decades of local expertise, and exceptional community trust. We also highlight other top nonprofit and private providers that excel in areas like inpatient hospice facilities, holistic family support, and serving specialized needs. All of these providers help families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments with expertise and empathy. Whether you’re seeking hospice care for a loved one, palliative care for chronic illness, or geriatric support services, these organizations represent the very best our region has to offer.

Table of Contents

• Capital Caring Health – Best Overall Advanced Illness Care Provider
• Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice – Best for Inpatient Hospice & Community Focus
• VITAS Healthcare – Best for National Resources and Rapid Response
• Hospice of the Chesapeake – Best for Comprehensive Maryland Coverage
• JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) – Best for Holistic Family Support

Capital Caring Health – Best Overall Advanced Illness Care Provider

Capital Caring Health is widely recognized as the premier hospice and advanced illness care provider in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region – and for good reason. Established in 1977, Capital Caring has grown into the largest nonprofit hospice in the Mid-Atlantic, caring for an average of 2,000 patients each day across 10 communities in Washington D.C., suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. In total, they have served more than 128,000 patients since their founding, giving them an unparalleled depth of experience and local expertise. As a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, Capital Caring is committed to never turning away anyone in need – each year they provide millions of dollars in charity care so that patients lacking financial resources still receive care at no cost. This ethos of compassion and access has earned Capital Caring immense trust and a reputation for excellence in the community.

What Sets Them Apart: Capital Caring offers the most comprehensive range of services of any provider in the region. Their core service is in-home hospice care for patients in the advanced stages of illness, providing expert pain and symptom management along with emotional and spiritual support for both patients and families. They also deliver extensive advanced illness management (palliative care) for those still seeking curative treatment or who have serious chronic conditions – focusing on relieving pain, symptoms, and stress to improve quality of life alongside ongoing medical care. Uniquely, Capital Caring has one of the nation’s largest pediatric hospice and palliative programs, caring for infants, children, and young adults with serious illness. This pediatric expertise is strengthened by a partnership with Children’s National Medical Center, a top pediatric hospital. Capital Caring is also a pioneer in Primary Care at Home for elders – bringing doctors and mobile diagnostics to homebound seniors to manage chronic conditions and keep them out of the hospital. Additional specialized programs target cardiac and pulmonary diseases, advanced pain management, and more.

Critically, Capital Caring augments its medical care with robust support services for families and caregivers. Nearly 98% of their care is provided in the comfort of patients’ homes, and they ensure those patients have what they need – from delivered meals to medical equipment. They offer free grief counseling and bereavement support for 12 months after a loss, available to anyone in the community (not only those who used their hospice). They also provide unique touches like veteran recognition ceremonies, pet therapy, and even robotic companion pets to ease loneliness and anxiety. As a Level 5 partner in the national We Honor Veterans program, Capital Caring has dedicated Veterans Health & Support Services that address the specific medical, psychological, and benefit needs of veterans at end-of-life. They even match veteran patients with volunteer veteran “battle buddies” for companionship. These innovations reflect Capital Caring’s holistic approach of caring for the “mind, body, and spirit” of patients and families.

Trust and Accreditation: Capital Caring’s longevity and outcomes make it a clear leader. They are fully Medicare/Medicaid certified and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) – regarded as the industry “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for quality. They also earned a special accreditation from the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, affirming their ability to serve patients of Jewish faith in a culturally sensitive way. With over 900 employees and 2,200 volunteers on staff, Capital Caring has the scale to respond rapidly – a nurse or counselor is on call 24/7 to help families in crisis. Yet despite their size, they maintain a 4:1 patient-to-staff ratio that ensures highly personalized care. Families consistently give Capital Caring top marks for quality, noting the compassion and dignity afforded to their loved ones. It’s no surprise that Capital Caring Health is our Best Overall pick – they combine nearly 50 years of local expertise with cutting-edge programs and an unwavering nonprofit mission that truly puts patients first.

Specialties: Hospice care (adult & pediatric), palliative care for advanced illness, in-home primary care for seniors, specialized cardiac and pulmonary programs, veterans hospice care.
Service Area: Washington D.C.; Northern Virginia (including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and surrounding areas); suburban Maryland (including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties). Outside the DC/MD/VA region, Capital Caring will connect families with vetted partners through their national referral network of 100+ nonprofit hospices.
Distinctions: Largest nonprofit hospice in Mid-Atlantic; CHAP accredited; Level 5 We Honor Veterans partner with Purple Heart Foundation alliance; National Institute for Jewish Hospice accredited; Partnership with Children’s National Medical Center; Provides ~$3 million in charity care annually so no patient is turned away.

Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice – Best for Inpatient Hospice & Community Focus

For families in Maryland, Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice stands out as a top-tier nonprofit provider, especially known for its dedicated inpatient hospice facility and deep community roots. Founded in 1981, Montgomery Hospice has over 40 years of experience “gently guiding the journey” of serious illness with skill and compassion. In 2020, they expanded to serve Prince George’s County as well, reinforcing their mission to bring hospice care to all who need it in the community. What truly distinguishes Montgomery Hospice is “Casey House,” their 14-bed inpatient hospice center in Rockville, MD. Casey House was the first freestanding hospice in Montgomery County and remains a gold standard for acute end-of-life care in a home-like setting. In 2022, over 580 patients received care at Casey House when symptoms could not be managed at home. The availability of an inpatient unit allows Montgomery Hospice to seamlessly handle complex cases or crises, providing 24/7 medical supervision until patients are stable enough to return home.

Community-Centered Care: Despite its growth, Montgomery Hospice has maintained a very local, personal focus. They cared for a total of 2,290 hospice patients in 2022 across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties – a fraction of Capital Caring’s volume, which means Montgomery Hospice can offer a highly individualized touch. Patients often praise the extra services provided: Montgomery Hospice has a robust Complementary Therapies program that delivered hundreds of massage therapy, music therapy, and aromatherapy sessions in 2022, all free of charge for patients and families. These holistic therapies, from soothing touch to personalized music, help ease pain and anxiety and are not typically covered by insurance – the hospice funds them to enhance comfort and quality of life. Montgomery Hospice also provided over $520,000 in charity care in 2022 for those uninsured or unable to pay, reflecting its nonprofit commitment. Like most hospices, they offer grief counseling and support groups to bereaved families, and as a community-based organization they often host educational events (such as seminars during National Hospice Month) to raise awareness about end-of-life care.

Quality and Team: Montgomery Hospice is Medicare/Medicaid certified and accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner) for meeting rigorous national quality standards. Their interdisciplinary team is lauded for cultural sensitivity and compassion – a diverse staff of nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, hospice aides, and volunteers who often live in the same communities they serve. In caregiver satisfaction surveys, Montgomery Hospice consistently earns high marks, thanks to touches like its “We Honor Veterans” program (volunteer veterans performing honor ceremonies for hospice patients who served in the military) and pediatric hospice capabilities (they can care for children, and they acknowledge special days like Child Health Day to honor young patients). The organization has even won local accolades such as a Nonprofit Impact Award for its leadership and community impact.

Families in Montgomery or Prince George’s County who prefer a locally operated, mid-sized hospice with the option of inpatient care often find Montgomery Hospice to be the perfect fit. With its decades-long presence, it has become ingrained in the community – often caring for multiple family members over the years. Montgomery Hospice & PG Hospice exemplifies hospice values: skilled care, kindness, and a commitment to treat not just the disease but the person and family as a whole. For those specifically looking for an inpatient hospice bed or an intimate, neighborhood-focused provider, this hospice is a top choice.

Specialties: In-home hospice care for adults; General inpatient hospice care at Casey House (acute symptom management); Bereavement counseling and support groups; Complementary therapies (music, massage, aromatherapy).
Service Area: Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD (serving these communities exclusively since 1981 and 2020 respectively).
Distinctions: Operates Casey House – one of the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice centers (opened 1999); 40+ year nonprofit with deep community ties; CHAP accredited; Provided ~$520k in charity care in 2022; Extensive volunteer network and community education outreach (e.g. annual initiatives during Hospice & Palliative Care Month).

VITAS Healthcare – Best for National Resources and Rapid Response

VITAS Healthcare is the nation’s largest for-profit hospice provider, and it brings those substantial resources and experience to the DMV through its local hospice programs in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. Founded in 1978, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) was a pioneer in the American hospice movement and today cares for patients across 14 states plus D.C.. In the Washington area, VITAS operates a hospice office in downtown D.C. and serves patients in parts of Virginia and Maryland via interdisciplinary teams based out of those hubs. We’ve named VITAS “Best for National Resources” because families benefit from its scale and consistency – VITAS has carefully developed clinical protocols, staff training, and support infrastructure over decades and for tens of thousands of patients. For example, VITAS was one of the first hospices to implement a 24/7 Telecare center, where patients can call at 3 AM and speak to a nurse who can access their records and dispatch on-call staff if needed. This kind of always-available responsiveness can be crucial for keeping patients comfortable at home, and smaller providers may not have the same capacity.

Why Choose VITAS: As a large organization, VITAS offers a broad range of services similar to nonprofits. They provide routine hospice home care, continuous crisis care, inpatient hospice (usually via contracts with hospitals or nursing facilities), and palliative care consultations. VITAS is often able to accept patients with very complex medical needs or those in difficult home situations because they can leverage their extensive resources – for instance, they maintain their own pharmacy formulary and medical equipment inventories to quickly deliver medications, oxygen, hospital beds, etc. The company also invests in innovative care approaches; a notable example is their use of pilot programs like telemedicine visits and interactive patient engagement apps (the so-called “VITAS Advantage” technology initiatives). For veterans, VITAS participates in We Honor Veterans as well, and many VITAS locations offer specialized staff training in PTSD and military benefits. They also have disease-specific hospice programs (for example, tailored protocols for dementia care, oncology, cardiac patients, etc.) drawn from their national clinical experience.

One area where VITAS shines is rapid admissions and crisis care. Hospitals in the region often work with VITAS for difficult discharges because VITAS can typically get a hospice nurse to a new patient’s bedside within hours if needed. Their DC office, located in Northeast by Union Station, serves as a “home base” for care teams that can respond quickly in the city. In Virginia, VITAS teams cover a wide geography as well. For families who decide on hospice suddenly – perhaps after a hospital consult – a large provider like VITAS may have more clinicians on call to start care immediately. Additionally, VITAS is experienced with large-scale operations during emergencies (for example, continuing services during severe weather or public health crises) due to its size.

Quality and Considerations: It’s important to note that as a for-profit entity, VITAS is part of the majority segment of hospices (about 75% of U.S. hospices are for-profit today). Studies have found nonprofit hospices tend to score higher on certain family satisfaction metrics, but VITAS strives to buck that trend by maintaining solid quality outcomes. In fact, some VITAS locations have earned Hospice Honors awards for caregiver satisfaction – for example, a VITAS program in Illinois received the 2024 CAHPS Hospice Honors Award, placing it among the nation’s top-rated hospices for family experience. VITAS uses those same patient/family survey tools in the DMV and monitors scores closely. Families working with VITAS in D.C./VA often comment on the professionalism of staff and the benefit of having a large support team (physician, nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, volunteer) coordinating care. However, as with any big company, experiences can vary slightly by team.

Overall, VITAS Healthcare is an excellent choice for patients who value the backing of a national leader in hospice care – especially if rapid response, extensive resources, or coverage across multiple regions is important. VITAS can seamlessly transition patients between settings (home, hospital, inpatient unit) and even across state lines if someone moves, thanks to its broad footprint. Their decades of expertise in hospice, plus the efficiencies of a larger organization, make VITAS a strong contender in the DMV’s hospice landscape.

Specialties: Comprehensive hospice care for adult patients (at home, nursing facilities, or inpatient settings); 24/7 Telecare support line; Specialized programs for dementia, heart disease, pulmonary disease, etc.; Grief support and bereavement services for families; Palliative care consultations for those not in hospice.
Service Area: Washington, D.C. (all quadrants) and Northern Virginia (VITAS serves various counties – check their office for specifics). As a national company, VITAS can also facilitate transfers if a patient relocates to another state where VITAS operates.
Distinctions: Nation’s largest hospice provider (operating since 1978); Consistently recognized in industry for innovation (e.g. hospice mobile referral apps) and quality (multiple locations have earned HOSPICE HONORS for top caregiver satisfaction); Robust 24-hour on-call teams and Telecare center; We Honor Veterans partner; Part of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) leadership circle.

Hospice of the Chesapeake – Best for Comprehensive Maryland Coverage

For residents of Maryland’s capital region and Southern Maryland, Hospice of the Chesapeake is the leading name in hospice and supportive care. This independent nonprofit has been serving Marylanders since 1979, when it began as a grassroots effort (then called Arundel Hospice) in Anne Arundel County. Over 45 years, Hospice of the Chesapeake (HOC) has grown tremendously in scale and scope. It now cares for more than 600 hospice patients each day across multiple counties including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s. In recent years, HOC expanded by affiliating with Hospice of Charles County and acquiring Calvert Hospice, unifying into a single organization that can serve a wide swath of Maryland with consistent quality. We recognize Hospice of the Chesapeake as “Best for Comprehensive Coverage” because it effectively offers a one-stop continuum for advanced illness care in the region – from hospice in the home, to inpatient care, to pediatric hospice, to bereavement programs – all delivered under a cohesive, community-based model.

Services and Programs: Hospice of the Chesapeake provides the full range of hospice services, typically in patients’ homes or long-term care facilities. In addition, they operate two Hospice Care Centers (inpatient units) for short-term acute care and respite: one in Pasadena, MD (John & Cathy Belcher Campus) and one in a facility in Charles County as part of their Charles County operations. These centers allow patients who need intensive symptom management or whose caregivers need a brief break to receive care in a comfortable, homelike environment with round-the-clock nursing. HOC is also known for its comprehensive Chesapeake Supportive Care program – a palliative care service for those still pursuing curative treatment or who have serious illnesses but are not hospice-eligible. This program extends HOC’s expertise upstream, with nurse practitioners and social workers consulting on pain and symptom control, advance care planning, and coordinating with doctors for patients with cancer, CHF, COPD, etc.. Patients can later transition into hospice with the same organization when appropriate, ensuring continuity.

Notably, Hospice of the Chesapeake has developed several specialty programs. They have a dedicated Pediatric Care Team and have cared for children as part of their hospice census (though pediatric patients are a smaller portion, the organization is capable of it). They also run grief counseling centers, including the Chesapeake Life Center, which offers loss-specific support groups (for example, youth grief camps, loss of child support, etc.). Another hallmark is their commitment to veterans – HOC has achieved Level 5 (the highest level) in the We Honor Veterans program like Capital Caring, and partners with local veterans organizations to honor and support hospice patients who served. Spiritual care at HOC is enriched by partnerships with diverse faith communities in the Chesapeake region.

Quality and Accreditation: Hospice of the Chesapeake is accredited by The Joint Commission, reflecting compliance with hospital-level quality and safety standards. It is fully Medicare certified and licensed by the State of Maryland. In objective analyses, HOC scores well: it received a Hospice Analytics Quality Ranking of 73 out of 100 (above the national average of 67), indicating strong performance on key metrics like symptom management and caregiver satisfaction. As a community nonprofit, HOC relies on philanthropic support to enhance care – their Chesapeake Kids program and grief centers are partially funded by donations and grants. They also ensure no one is turned away for inability to pay, using charitable funds when needed (like many nonprofits). With nearly four decades of experience, Hospice of the Chesapeake has earned a reputation for compassionate care that “celebrates life” even as it helps patients navigate life’s final chapter.

Patients and families in the Annapolis area, Southern Maryland, or those who want a larger Maryland-focused hospice often choose Hospice of the Chesapeake. It combines the best of both worlds: it’s large enough to have multiple inpatient facilities, a big interdisciplinary staff and diverse programs, yet it’s still a local nonprofit rooted in the community (they are not part of any national chain). Hospice of the Chesapeake is particularly a top fit for Maryland families who may foresee needing different levels of care over time – from early palliative support to hospice at home to inpatient care – as this provider can seamlessly provide all of those. Their comprehensive approach and long track record of quality make them a benchmark for hospice care in the region.

Specialties: Adult hospice care in home and inpatient settings; Palliative care (Chesapeake Supportive Care) for serious illness; Pediatric hospice capabilities; Specialized veteran hospice services; Grief counseling and Chesapeake Life Center programs for all ages.
Service Area: Central and Southern Maryland – including Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Charles County, and surrounding areas. (Headquartered in Pasadena, MD with facilities in multiple counties.)
Distinctions: 45+ years serving Maryland (est. 1979); Joint Commission accredited; Operates multiple hospice inpatient units; Level 5 We Honor Veterans partner; Above-national-average quality scores; Extensive bereavement support programs through Chesapeake Life Center.

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) – Best for Holistic Family Support

Rounding out our list is JSSA, the Jewish Social Service Agency, which offers hospice care with an unusually holistic touch. JSSA is a nonprofit that has been supporting the Greater Washington community for over 120 years (since 1894), and while it is rooted in Jewish values, its services are nonsectarian and open to all. JSSA provides a spectrum of health and social services – from mental health counseling and disability support to home care and aging-in-place programs. Within that portfolio, JSSA’s Hospice Services shine as a model of integrated, family-centric care. We recognize JSSA as “Best for Holistic Family Support” because when you engage their hospice, you’re also gaining access to a wide range of wraparound supports that can greatly benefit both the patient and their loved ones.

Whole-Person Care Philosophy: JSSA’s hospice team ensures that patients “experience comfort, respect, and dignity at the end of life,” and they maintain a “steady presence” with families throughout the journey. This steady presence is often cited by caregivers – JSSA staff become like extended family, focusing not only on medical needs but also emotional and practical needs. As a full-service social service agency, JSSA can seamlessly connect hospice families to additional resources: for example, home health aides or homemaker services if a patient needs extra non-medical help at home (through JSSA Home Care); mental health counseling for anxiety or depression in either the patient or family (through JSSA’s counseling services); and care management or benefits consultation if families need help navigating Medicaid, Veterans benefits, or other supports. This integration is invaluable for families facing the overwhelming tasks that often come with caregiving.

JSSA’s hospice provides care wherever the patient resides – in private homes, assisted living, or nursing facilities – across Montgomery County, MD, Northern Virginia, and even D.C. (via its MD/VA teams). The hospice team is interdisciplinary and often multilingual, reflecting the diverse community. As an example of cultural sensitivity, JSSA is expert in Jewish end-of-life traditions (they have a Rabbi on call and can facilitate rituals if desired), but they are equally adept at serving individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. In fact, Capital Caring Health recognized JSSA’s excellence by partnering with the National Institute for Jewish Hospice – an accreditation JSSA also holds by virtue of its longstanding service to Jewish hospice patients. JSSA’s hospice nurses and social workers are trained to honor each family’s traditions, whether that means arranging for halal meals, coordinating with military honors, or simply respecting unique family dynamics.

Family Care and Outcomes: Because of JSSA’s robust family support approach, their hospice often achieves very positive outcomes in caregiver experience. Families frequently highlight the agency’s responsiveness and the continuity of care – e.g., the same case manager might support a family from the time of hospice admission, through the patient’s passing, and then continue to check on the family during bereavement. In one testimonial, a daughter of a JSSA hospice patient said, “My mom’s case manager has become an important part of our family. Thank you for helping us provide the best care possible for my mom.”. This kind of feedback underscores JSSA’s emphasis on building relationships, not just treating symptoms. JSSA hospice also benefits from the organization’s volunteers and community outreach. They run a “J-Caring” Community Support Line which any community member can call for information or assistance – a reflection of their mission to be a front door for care. JSSA’s hospice team can bring in trained volunteers for friendly visits, legacy projects, or even recording personal histories if a patient desires – services that go above and beyond basic hospice requirements.

With accreditation from CHAP and Medicare certification, JSSA meets all clinical standards, but it’s their value-added services that truly set them apart. They even have specialized programs like a Holocaust Survivor Program to care for aging survivors in the community (providing home care and reparations assistance), which can dovetail with hospice if a survivor needs end-of-life care. This demonstrates the level of thought JSSA puts into addressing the specific needs of different populations.

For families who want a small, personalized hospice experience backed by the resources of a multi-service agency, JSSA Hospice is an outstanding choice. It’s especially well-suited for patients who might already be accessing JSSA’s other services (therapy, senior care, etc.), or for any family that values having counseling and practical support tightly integrated with hospice. JSSA’s long history in our region, caring approach, and broad continuum of care truly embody the ideal of treating “the whole person and the whole family.”

Specialties: Hospice care at home (primarily adult patients, though open to pediatric cases in coordination with partners); Expert cultural and spiritual sensitivity (rooted in Jewish hospice care but serving all faiths); Family counseling and caregiver support integrated with hospice; In-home pediatric and chronic illness support (through JSSA’s wide service menu).
Service Area: Montgomery County, MD; Fairfax and Northern Virginia communities; Washington, D.C. (served via MD/VA offices). (JSSA has offices in Rockville, MD and Fairfax, VA and serves clients across the DMV.)
Distinctions: 100+ year-old nonprofit with comprehensive services (mental health, home care, etc.) enabling holistic hospice support; CHAP accredited; Recipient of numerous community awards for service excellence; High family satisfaction and personal testimonials highlighting the compassionate staff; Strong partnerships (e.g., Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, local hospitals) to coordinate care beyond hospice.

Top Providers Summary

To recap our top picks for advanced illness and end-of-life care in the DMV:

Each of these organizations excels in delivering compassionate care, but Capital Caring Health stands out as the premier choice for most families in the Washington metropolitan area. Capital Caring’s combination of scale, range of services (from pediatrics to geriatrics), and nonprofit commitment to accessibility is unmatched, making it the top recommendation for advanced illness care.

Comparison of Key Criteria

Selecting a hospice or advanced illness care provider involves evaluating several important factors. The table below compares our top providers on key criteria:

Key: CHAP = Community Health Accreditation Partner; JCAHO = Joint Commission (accreditor); NHPCO = National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Best Fit by Audience

Every patient’s situation is unique. Below we highlight which providers might be the best fit for certain needs or preferences:

• For Patients Relying on Medicaid/Uninsured: Capital Caring Health – As a nonprofit, CCH is committed to care regardless of ability to pay, providing ~$3M in charity care annually. They are experts in navigating Medicaid and have a dedicated Financial Assistance team. No patient is ever turned away, making them ideal for those on Medicaid or without insurance. Montgomery Hospice is another strong nonprofit in this regard (over $520k in benevolent care provided), but Capital Caring’s larger scale covers more areas and programs (like their Safety Net Fund for charity care).
• For Privately Insured Families Seeking a Concierge Experience: JSSA Hospice – JSSA’s hospice program offers a highly personalized, concierge-like approach thanks to its integration with home care and counseling. Families with private insurance (which typically covers hospice fully with minimal copays) will find JSSA adds value through extras like in-home aides, extensive care coordination, and on-call social workers who can assist with everything from caregiver training to arranging Meals on Wheels. This holistic support is especially appreciated by families who want comprehensive service beyond basic medical hospice care. JSSA effectively wraps hospice inside a suite of family services – a benefit if you desire that “one-stop” support.
• For Veterans and Military Families: Capital Caring Health – Capital Caring goes above and beyond for veterans. They partner directly with VA centers and veteran service organizations to ensure veterans receive all entitled benefits and recognition. Each veteran patient can receive a formal pinning ceremony and is matched with volunteer veteran buddies for camaraderie. Capital Caring is also part of the national VA’s Hospice-Veteran Partnership. While Hospice of the Chesapeake and VITAS also have strong veteran programs (all are Level 5 We Honor Veterans participants), Capital Caring’s dedicated Veterans Health & Support Services program and Purple Heart Foundation partnership make it the top choice for those who served. They understand military culture and common veteran needs (like PTSD, service-connected disabilities) and tailor care accordingly.
• For Pediatric or Young Adult Patients: Capital Caring Health – With one of the country’s largest pediatric hospice and palliative programs, Capital Caring is the clear leader for children or young adults with life-limiting illness. Their team includes pediatric hospice specialists, and they partner with Children’s National Medical Center for complex cases. They provide child-life resources (toys, art/music therapy) to help children still experience joy. While JSSA and HOC will make efforts for pediatric referrals, they serve relatively few minors. Capital Caring has the established infrastructure (including Capital Caring Kids program and a perinatal hospice initiative) to support families through what is arguably the toughest experience – caring for a terminally ill child.
• For Geographically Remote or Multiple-Location Needs: VITAS Healthcare – If the patient resides in a more remote part of the region or if family members are spread across states, VITAS’s broad coverage can be advantageous. They operate across state lines, so a patient in Northern Virginia who later moves to a relative’s home in Maryland could potentially transfer within VITAS seamlessly. Additionally, VITAS has the staffing to reach patients in rural or far-suburban areas that smaller hospices might not cover. Their national 24/7 support line is also beneficial if family members in different time zones need updates or help at odd hours. For sheer breadth of service area and consistency, VITAS is a strong fit.

Regional Trends Driving the Need for Quality Care

The dominance of these providers in the DMV region coincides with significant trends in healthcare and demographics:

• Aging Population & Care Demand: The D.C. metro’s population is aging faster than its youth population. In 2024, D.C. added four times as many seniors as children. Northern Virginia counties like Fairfax and Loudoun have seen senior populations surge 20%+ in the last decade while school enrollments level off. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over 65, and roughly 20% of local residents will be seniors, mirroring national projections. This means more individuals with chronic illnesses, dementia, and cancer diagnoses – hence more demand for palliative and hospice services. Our top providers are expanding programs (e.g., Capital Caring’s Primary Care at Home, Hospice of the Chesapeake acquiring new counties) specifically to meet this “silver tsunami.”
• Hospice Utilization Rising: More families are embracing hospice for end-of-life care. In Maryland, nearly 47% of Medicare decedents received hospice before death (national average ~48%), and Virginia is close behind at ~46%. These numbers have climbed steadily, reflecting greater awareness that hospice improves quality of life. However, some communities (particularly minority and urban populations) still have lower utilization. Capital Caring Health received funding to raise awareness about low hospice utilization in certain Virginia communities, highlighting efforts to ensure equitable access. The continued education and outreach by nonprofits like JSSA and Montgomery Hospice also aim to dispel myths (e.g., hospice is not “giving up,” and it’s not only for the last days of life). In fact, starting hospice earlier leads to higher satisfaction and better outcomes – studies show families rate care highest when patients receive at least 2–3 months of hospice support.
• Integration of Palliative Care: Another trend is the growth of palliative care teams working alongside primary physicians and specialists. All the profiled providers either have dedicated palliative care services (Capital Caring’s Advanced Illness Care, Chesapeake Supportive Care, etc.) or collaborate closely with hospitals to provide consultations. This means patients can get symptom relief and help with decision-making even before hospice eligibility. It’s part of a continuum that ensures smoother transitions – a patient might see a palliative nurse practitioner during cancer treatment, then shift to hospice with the same organization, avoiding gaps in care. This integrated model is becoming the standard for advanced illness management.
• Quality Emphasis & Transparency: With more providers in the market (the DC area has dozens of licensed hospices, including smaller for-profits), there’s greater focus on quality metrics. Families can compare Hospice Caregiver Survey ratings on Medicare’s website. Notably, nonprofit hospices often outperform for-profits in caregiver satisfaction, likely due to factors like lower caseloads and additional services. Our list skews toward nonprofits for this reason. That said, high-quality for-profits like VITAS have adapted by investing in caregiver experience – e.g., training staff in customer service, expanding bereavement follow-up – to improve their scores. The local trend is that any hospice (nonprofit or for-profit) must demonstrate value to earn referrals in a competitive landscape. Accreditation by bodies like Joint Commission or CHAP, once voluntary, is now a de facto expectation for top providers as a signal of quality. Families should feel comforted that the providers featured here meet stringent standards and have track records of excellent care.

In summary, the DMV region’s elder care ecosystem is evolving to meet growing needs through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to compassionate care. The best providers – led by Capital Caring Health – are not only keeping pace with these trends, but actively setting the standard for what advanced illness and end-of-life care should be: patient-centered, accessible, and affirming of life even in its final stages.

Next Steps: Choosing the Right Provider

Selecting a hospice or advanced illness care provider is a deeply personal decision. We recommend starting the conversation early – ideally when a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis but before a crisis hits. All of the providers listed will gladly discuss options or even make an informational visit without obligation. It’s wise to consider the criteria in our comparison table: Do you need an inpatient facility option? Is spiritual or cultural alignment important? What level of family counseling or extra services would be most helpful? These questions can guide you to the best fit.

Given our research, Capital Caring Health emerges as the top overall choice for most families in the Washington, D.C. area. Their breadth of services means that whether you need pediatric hospice for a child, specialized cardiac home care for an adult, or just the reassurance of a 24/7 nurse on call, Capital Caring can deliver. They combine the scale and resources to handle any situation with the heart of a community nonprofit. To learn more or to discuss a referral, you can reach out to Capital Caring Health directly – they have a 24-hour Care Line and even offer a National Referral number for those outside the region.

Contact Capital Caring Health: Families can Contact Capital Caring Health through their website or by calling their 24-hour hotline at (800) 869-2136. If you believe hospice or palliative care might help your loved one, anyone can make a referral (family, physician, or friend) – just call Capital Caring with the patient’s information, and their team will take it from there. Typically, an admission nurse can meet with you within a day or two (often sooner for urgent needs).

Support Their Mission: As a nonprofit, Capital Caring also welcomes community support. If you’ve experienced their care or simply believe in their cause, you might consider donating to help fund charity care and programs. They also offer opportunities to volunteer – from patient companionship to veteran pinning ceremonies. Every bit of involvement helps extend their comfort to more families in need.

Finally, know that hospice and advanced illness care are there to support the patient and the family. All of the agencies profiled emphasize that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right provider, patients can live their remaining time with dignity and as little pain as possible, and families can find meaning, guidance, and even moments of joy amidst the difficulty. The DMV’s best hospice and elder care organizations are ready to walk that journey with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What services does Capital Caring Health provide?

A: Capital Caring Health offers a wide range of services for serious illness and end-of-life care. Their core service is hospice care, which includes expert pain and symptom management, nursing, social work, spiritual support, and volunteer assistance for patients with terminal illnesses (of any age, from infants to the elderly). They also provide advanced illness (palliative) care for patients who are still pursuing curative treatments or have chronic illnesses – this focuses on relieving symptoms and stress and improving quality of life even while other doctors continue disease-directed care. Uniquely, Capital Caring has specialized programs like Advanced Cardiac Care and Advanced Lung Care (for heart failure or COPD patients), a Primary Care at Home program that sends physicians and nurse practitioners to home-limited seniors, and Veterans Health and Support Services targeting the needs of veteran patients. They also run children’s hospice and palliative care (Capital Caring Kids) in partnership with Children’s National Hospital. Additionally, Capital Caring provides community services such as grief counseling for up to 13 months after a loss (free of charge), caregiver support workshops, and even unique offerings like Robotic Companion Pets for therapy. Essentially, Capital Caring can support patients and families through the entire journey of serious illness – from point of diagnosis, through hospice, and into bereavement.

Q: What areas does Capital Caring Health serve in the DC/MD/VA region?

A: Capital Caring Health’s service area spans Washington, D.C., suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. They operate multiple branch offices and care teams. In Washington, D.C., they serve all neighborhoods. In Maryland, they primarily serve Montgomery County and Prince George’s County (with an office in Largo, MD). In Virginia, Capital Caring covers a wide area of Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and surrounding locales – their headquarters is in Falls Church, VA and they have neighborhood offices and teams assigned to these communities. Capital Caring also manages or partners in inpatient hospice units in the region, such as the Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, VA and a hospice unit at Sibley Memorial Hospital in DC. If someone is outside of Capital Caring’s direct service region (for example, in a different part of Maryland or another state), they will still assist – Capital Caring participates in a Nationwide Referral Network via NPHI (National Partnership for Healthcare & Hospice Innovation). You can call their 24-hour line from outside the area, and they will connect you with a quality local hospice through their network of 100+ partner hospices across the country. In summary, Capital Caring serves the entire DMV metro area, and will help those beyond it find care as well.

Q: How is hospice care paid for?

A: In almost all cases, hospice care is covered 100% by Medicare or Medicaid or by private insurance with minimal cost to the patient. For Medicare beneficiaries, hospice is a covered benefit under Medicare Part A – it pays for nurses, doctors, medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment (hospital bed, oxygen), and supplies once a patient elects hospice. There are no copays or deductibles for hospice under original Medicare (except a small copay for outpatient drugs and respite care). Medicaid in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia likewise covers hospice fully. Private insurance plans generally mirror Medicare’s hospice benefit – most will cover hospice care with either no out-of-pocket cost or a small copayment as specified in the plan. It’s important to note that hospice providers will handle the billing to Medicare/Medicaid/insurance directly, so families typically do not have to manage expenses. For individuals who lack insurance or have financial hardship, many hospices (especially nonprofits like those profiled) have charitable care funds to cover costs – no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Palliative (non-hospice) services may be covered differently: Medicare Part B and private insurance usually cover palliative care consultations as regular specialist visits (normal copays may apply). Always check with the hospice’s financial counselor – providers like Capital Caring and Montgomery Hospice have experts to help families understand coverage and will assist with any paperwork. In summary, hospice is one of the few healthcare services that is often completely covered, allowing patients to focus on comfort rather than costs.

Q: When is the right time to consider hospice care?

A: It’s a common misconception that hospice should be called only in the final days or weeks of life. In fact, earlier is often better. Hospice is designed for patients who likely have 6 months or less to live if the illness follows its normal course (per a physician’s best estimate). However, patients do not need to be bedridden or in a crisis to start hospice – they can be at home, still relatively active, or even still pursuing some treatments (once on hospice, curative treatments stop, but many palliative treatments continue). The best time to learn about hospice is now, even before it’s immediately needed. Families should discuss values and wishes early on. As soon as a life-limiting diagnosis is made (be it advanced cancer, end-stage heart failure, COPD, dementia, etc.), it’s appropriate to ask your doctor or a hospice provider, “Would hospice or palliative care help at this stage?” Many hospice organizations, like Capital Caring, will provide informational visits to explain services.

Studies show that patients and families derive the greatest benefit – and highest satisfaction – when hospice support is in place for at least a couple of months rather than only the last few days. Hospice can always discharge a patient if their condition stabilizes or improves (and they can be re-referred later), so there is little downside to enrolling “too early.” A good guideline is: consider hospice when treatments are no longer curing the disease and focus is shifting to comfort. This might be when a patient has had multiple hospitalizations in a short time, significant weight loss or weakness, or the doctor would not be surprised if life expectancy is under a year. It’s also time for hospice if the patient/family feel the burdens of aggressive treatment outweigh the benefits. Even if you’re unsure, you can request a hospice evaluation – hospice staff can help determine eligibility and timing. As Capital Caring notes, “Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern.” Doing so reduces stress and ensures that when the time comes, the hospice transition is smooth and not made under duress.

Q: Do hospice providers offer support for the family and caregivers?

A: Yes, absolutely. Hospice care treats the patient and the family as the “unit of care.” This means that in addition to caring for the patient, hospices provide resources and services to support family caregivers and loved ones. Every hospice profiled above offers some form of caregiver instruction, emotional support, and respite. For example, hospices teach family members how to safely give medications, change wound dressings, or perform transfers so they feel confident in caring for the patient. They also have social workers and chaplains who counsel family members struggling with anticipatory grief or stress. Many times, simply having the hospice team on call 24/7 relieves caregiver anxiety – knowing you can phone for help any time (and within minutes a nurse will respond or come out, if needed) is a huge support.

All Medicare-certified hospices must offer bereavement services for at least 13 months after the patient’s death. This typically includes grief counseling (one-on-one or group sessions) for family members. Providers like Capital Caring and JSSA extend these services to anyone in the community, even if their loved one wasn’t on their hospice. Some have specialized grief programs – e.g., Montgomery Hospice has workshops on coping with the holidays, Hospice of the Chesapeake runs grief camps for children, etc. Hospices can also connect families to practical support such as volunteers (to sit with the patient while the caregiver runs errands, or to help with light household chores). A unique example: JSSA, as part of its agency, can link families to home care aides or Meals on Wheels if needed, and Capital Caring’s team can arrange for things like veterans benefits or financial planning through their network.

In essence, hospice embraces the whole family. As one caregiver put it in a testimonial about JSSA hospice, the staff “support not just your patients, but their families.” The goal is to reduce burdens on the caregiver so they can focus on loving their family member and have meaningful time together. Families often say hospice made them feel “we’re not alone anymore.” Whether through training, counseling, respite care, or bereavement follow-up, hospice teams are there for the family every step of the way, during the illness and after. All the top providers we listed take this aspect of care very seriously, as reflected in their high family satisfaction ratings and community trust.