Gilchrist Hospice Care is a nonprofit that provides end-of-life care in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Gilchrist operates inpatient hospice houses, home care programs, and grief support services across the Baltimore and Washington regions. The organization is one of the larger independent hospice providers in the Mid-Atlantic and has been operating since 1985. Unlike some hospice programs that are part of larger hospital systems, Gilchrist is a standalone nonprofit, which shapes how it operates and what services it offers.

The care Gilchrist provides focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. A person using Gilchrist services typically has a diagnosis where cure is no longer the goal—often advanced cancer, heart disease, dementia, or other serious illness. Gilchrist coordinates with the person's doctor, manages pain and symptoms, and involves family in planning.

Key Takeaways

  • Gilchrist operates inpatient hospice houses in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as well as home-based hospice care across Maryland and parts of D.C.
  • Most hospice care, including Gilchrist's, is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans once a doctor certifies the person has six months or less to live.
  • Gilchrist also offers grief counseling and bereavement support for family members, which continues for months after the person's death.
  • Admission to Gilchrist hospice requires a referral from a doctor and a conversation with Gilchrist's intake team about the person's medical history and care goals.

Where Gilchrist Provides Care

Gilchrist operates two inpatient hospice houses: one in Baltimore and one in Washington, D.C. These are residential facilities where people can stay if home care is not possible or if symptoms become difficult to manage at home. The houses are designed to feel residential rather than clinical—they have private and semi-private rooms, common areas, and space for family to be present.

Beyond the inpatient houses, Gilchrist provides home hospice care across Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, and Carroll counties in Maryland, as well as parts of Washington, D.C. Home care means a nurse, aide, and other team members visit the person's home on a regular schedule. This allows people to remain in their own homes while receiving professional symptom management and support.

What Insurance Covers Gilchrist Hospice

Medicare covers hospice care once a doctor certifies that the person has a life expectancy of six months or less. This certification is not a prediction—it means the disease is progressing and curative treatment is no longer the focus. Medicare covers all hospice services related to the terminal illness, including nursing, medications for comfort, equipment, and counseling. The person pays nothing for these services under the Medicare hospice benefit.

Medicaid in Maryland also covers hospice care under similar conditions. Private insurance plans vary—some cover hospice fully, some require a copay, and some require prior authorization. Gilchrist's intake team can check what a person's insurance will cover before admission.

For people without insurance or whose insurance does not cover hospice, Gilchrist, as a nonprofit, does not turn people away. The organization works with families on payment options and may provide care regardless of ability to pay.

How to Start Gilchrist Hospice Care

The first step is a referral from a doctor. The person's current physician—whether that is an oncologist, cardiologist, primary care doctor, or another specialist—makes the referral to Gilchrist. Family members can ask the doctor to make a referral, or in some cases the hospital social worker can initiate one if the person is hospitalized.

Once Gilchrist receives the referral, an intake coordinator calls to gather information: the person's medical history, current symptoms, medications, living situation, and what the family hopes to accomplish. This conversation helps Gilchrist determine whether the person is appropriate for hospice and which type of care (home or inpatient) makes sense.

If both the family and Gilchrist agree to move forward, a nurse visits to do a full assessment. This visit covers pain and symptom management, what equipment the home will need, and what the care schedule will look like. The person and family sign consent forms, and care typically begins within a few days.

Services Included in Gilchrist Care

Gilchrist hospice includes nursing visits, usually weekly but more often if symptoms change. A home health aide may visit several times a week to help with bathing, dressing, and personal care. A social worker meets with the family to discuss goals, fears, and practical matters like advance directives. A chaplain or spiritual counselor is available if the family wants one, regardless of religious background.

Medications for comfort—pain relief, nausea medication, anxiety medication—are provided and managed by the hospice nurse. Equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen is delivered and set up. Gilchrist also provides volunteer support: trained volunteers may visit to sit with the person, help with light tasks, or straightforward provide company.

After the person dies, Gilchrist's bereavement team stays in touch with the family. This includes grief counseling, support groups, and written resources. Bereavement support typically continues for at least a year.

What to Expect During Inpatient Hospice House Stays

The Gilchrist hospice houses are designed for people whose symptoms are hard to manage at home or who have no family available to provide daily care. Rooms are private or semi-private, and family can visit anytime—there are no visiting hour restrictions. Many families stay overnight in the room or in a family lounge.

Nursing staff are present 24 hours a day. The focus is on keeping the person comfortable, managing pain, and allowing meaningful time with loved ones. Some people stay for days, others for weeks. The length of stay depends on the person's condition and how quickly the illness progresses.

The houses also host activities like music therapy, art therapy, and spiritual care. Families can bring in food, photos, or anything that makes the space feel more personal. Staff work with families to understand what matters most—whether that is pain control, being alert and present, or having specific people nearby.

Gilchrist's Grief and Bereavement Support

Gilchrist recognizes that grief does not end when the person dies. The organization offers grief counseling for family members, both individual sessions and group support. Support groups meet regularly and are often organized by type of loss—for example, groups for people who lost a spouse, a parent, or a child.

Gilchrist also provides written resources about grief, what to expect in the first weeks and months, and how to support children or teenagers who are grieving. Some families find that staying connected to Gilchrist's bereavement team helps them process the loss and feel less alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my loved one have to be dying to use Gilchrist hospice?

Hospice is for people whose doctor believes they have six months or less to live and who have decided to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment. This is not the same as actively dying—some people live longer than expected. The key is that the disease is progressing and cure is no longer the goal.

Can Gilchrist care happen at home, or do we have to use the hospice house?

Most Gilchrist care happens at home. The inpatient houses are available if home care is not possible—for example, if the person lives alone with no family support, or if symptoms become too complex to manage at home. The choice depends on the person's situation and what the family prefers.

What happens if we change our minds about hospice?

A person can stop hospice care at any time. If they want to pursue curative treatment again, they can be discharged and return to their regular doctor. Some people move between hospice and other care as their condition changes, though this is less common.

How do we contact Gilchrist to ask questions or get a referral started?

The easiest way is to ask the person's doctor to make a referral. If you want information first, Gilchrist's main office can answer questions about services and locations. The doctor's office or hospital social worker can also provide Gilchrist's contact information.

Is there a cost if we cannot pay for hospice?

Gilchrist is a nonprofit and does not turn people away because of inability to pay. If insurance does not cover the full cost or the person has no insurance, discuss payment options with Gilchrist's intake team. The organization works with families to make care possible.