When the Time Comes, We’re the First Call You Make
In the foothills of El Dorado and the neighborhoods of Sacramento, there are moments when life changes direction. A diagnosis shifts from treatment to comfort. Families pause and ask, “What now?” That’s when First Call Hospice answers—ready to help with care that’s clear, personal, and full of heart.
Hospice is about living well through the final season of life. We step in when the focus turns to comfort, clarity, and making space for what truly matters: presence, peace, and love.
A Philosophy That Prioritizes Dignity and Connection
At First Call, we believe that every goodbye deserves to be gentle, guided, and deeply respectful. Our care is designed around the needs and wishes of the individual—and shaped by the love that surrounds them.
Whether a person is spiritual, private, open-hearted, or uncertain, we meet them where they are. Hospice with us is not about letting go—it’s about holding close to what matters most.
A Unified Team with One Goal: You
Behind every patient is a network of professionals who work together seamlessly. Our hospice team is built on collaboration and shared purpose. That team includes:
- Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Certified Hospice Aides and CNAs
- Spiritual Counselors and Chaplains
- Medical Directors and Clinical Providers
- Social Workers and Grief Counselors
- Volunteers with a heart for service
Each person plays a vital role in ensuring care is consistent, compassionate, and complete.
Nurses: The Calm Within the Storm
Our hospice nurses are trained not just in symptom control—but in emotional support, family communication, and clinical leadership. They assess needs quickly, respond gently, and help make the unknown feel a little less overwhelming.
Nurses help with:
- Managing and adjusting pain relief plans
- Monitoring for subtle and urgent changes
- Teaching caregivers how to support their loved one
- Explaining each phase of the hospice process with clarity
They are often described by families as “the person who helped us breathe again.”
Keeping Pain at Bay, Peace in Reach
From breathing issues to discomfort, from agitation to anxiety—our nurses know how to respond. They adjust medications, use holistic techniques when appropriate, and always put the patient’s comfort first.
Helping Families Feel Prepared
Most people don’t know what to expect during hospice. That’s okay. Our nurses walk families through every change—explaining what’s happening and why, offering tools and encouragement in equal measure.
Sitting Close When It Counts
During the final hours, our nurses often remain close. Whether they’re offering comfort care, a gentle voice, or simply sitting beside a spouse who doesn’t want to be alone—they’re there with quiet strength.
Aides: Protectors of Dignity Through Gentle Hands
Our hospice aides are humble heroes. They provide the physical care that helps patients feel clean, safe, and human. These simple tasks—done with kindness—carry a power that can’t be measured.
Aides assist with:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Grooming, hair care, and dressing
- Turning, repositioning, and comfort adjustments
- Light assistance with meals or fluids
But their true gift lies in how they do it—with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
Familiar Faces That Bring Relief
Many patients and families look forward to the aide’s visit. Whether it’s because of their smile, their quiet humor, or their gentle touch—our aides become a steady presence in an uncertain time.
Eyes for Detail, Ears for Emotion
Aides often notice subtle changes—a sigh, a shift in appetite, a new hesitation. They communicate quickly with nurses, helping address issues before they grow. Their intuition is part of the care, not separate from it.
Chaplains: Offering Meaning, Memory, and Peace
Facing death invites big questions—about life, faith, regret, and what’s next. Our chaplains don’t pretend to have answers—but they’re here to listen, reflect, and support with open hearts.
They offer:
- Prayers, readings, and blessings
- Conversations about legacy, meaning, and forgiveness
- Respectful spiritual guidance for any belief system
- Calm, quiet presence during difficult transitions
They’re not there to preach. They’re there to walk with you—however that journey looks.
A Spirit of Inclusion and Reverence
In Northern California, spirituality is deeply personal. Our chaplains are trained to honor every tradition—or no tradition at all. Whether someone wants a psalm, a nature-based blessing, or a moment of shared silence, we provide care that feels right.
Still There After the Last Goodbye
After a loved one passes, our support continues. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Our bereavement team remains connected—offering calls, counseling, and support groups for those learning to live with loss.
A Team That Talks—and Listens
The beauty of First Call’s care is in how our team moves together. We hold regular case reviews, communicate in real time, and share what we observe—so care remains seamless and deeply personal.
Families as Partners, Not Spectators
We don’t just help—we empower. We show caregivers how to help, when to call, and how to stay grounded even in the hardest moments. Whether someone is a son, daughter, partner, or friend—we make sure they feel ready.
Honoring Final Wishes with Grace
A quiet song. A circle of family. A moment to step outside and feel the breeze. We ask what matters—and we do everything we can to make it happen. These aren’t small things. They’re everything.
Care That Comes to You
Whether your home is in the heart of Sacramento, on a hillside in El Dorado Hills, or in a retirement community near Folsom, we bring care to your doorstep. Hospice works best when it meets people in their space—and we never forget that.
A Nurse’s Day, One Moment at a Time
A nurse may begin her day helping a patient adjust medications in Rancho Cordova, then sit quietly with a family in Citrus Heights. Each stop holds emotion. Each visit reflects love in action.
Aides Who Remember the Details
They know which lotion the patient prefers. Which side is more comfortable. How to lift without causing pain. These aren’t just technical skills—they’re signs of true care.
Chaplains Who Bring Peace with Few Words
A warm smile. A scripture. A pause to reflect. Or simply presence without agenda. Our chaplains meet families with grace—and stay as long as they’re needed.
First Call, Lasting Care
At First Call Hospice, we’re proud to serve our neighbors with honesty, respect, and a heart for what matters most. We help people leave this world the way they lived in it—surrounded by love, supported by care, and remembered with dignity.
