Mission Hospice in South Pasadena, CA

Pros

• Mission Hospice staff were dedicated and compassionate.
• They provided 24/7 care, with a nurse available around the clock.
• The team was gentle, comforting, and easy to work with.
• They delivered quick, responsive service and met needs promptly.
• The chaplain and other staff were awesome and supportive.
• They helped make the final weeks comfortable and anxiety-free, providing emotional support and love to the family.
• The reviewers described Mission Hospice as absolutely wonderful and deserving of five stars.

Cons

• They basically killed her.
• Her condition deteriorated drastically under Mission's care.
• The hospice treated her like one size fits all.
• The last week of her life was spent screaming and writhing in pain because of their incompetence and negligence.
• They never called to apologize or offer condolences for causing her death.
• They should be charged with manslaughter, wrongful death, or gross medical negligence, at the very least.
• They knock on doors and steal patients from other companies.
• It was the worst experience.
• The family was devastated and wracked with guilt.

Review

Mission Hospice in South Pasadena is best suited for families that want around-the-clock, hands-on presence and deeply relational end-of-life support. Reviews repeatedly highlight rapid response times, 24/7 nursing in the patient's room, and a caregiving team that stays with the family through the last days. The staff's availability, along with emotional and spiritual support from case workers, social workers, and a chaplain, can create a sense of safety and dignity when the moment matters most. This is a practical choice for those who value personal attention, continuity of care, and an environment where families can sit with their loved one without feeling abandoned. It is not primarily a setting for aggressive medical escalation; it is a place for comfort, conversation, and presence.

On the other hand, the most consequential concerns center on medical oversight and how pain and symptoms are managed. Several reviews describe situations where pain medication was stopped or not promptly adjusted, even after reviewing a patient's long history. A persistent sense that the treatment plan was inflexible and not aligned with the person's prior needs undermines trust at a moment when clear, collaborative decision-making is essential. One account recounts a nurse's condescending communication during advocacy for a different approach, which compounds the fear that patient care is being constrained by process rather than tailored to the individual. For families facing complex pain histories or ongoing symptom control, these patterns are a significant, nontrivial risk.

Yet the positive aspects remain compelling when the focus is on presence and comfort. The hospice's strongest testimonials revolve around peace of mind achieved through constant availability and gentle, respectful care. Families describe a team that is "there 24/7," that maintains a calm, supportive atmosphere, and that helps the patient remain as comfortable as possible in final days. The emotional scaffolding - support from the social worker, case manager, and chaplain - can be transformative, allowing kin to be present, grieve, and say their goodbyes without the burden of clinical logistics alone. In such frameworks, the dying process can feel dignified and humane, even when medical outcomes are uncertain.

For families weighing options, the medical coordination component should be tested upfront. Request involvement from the hospice's medical director in care planning and insist on a clearly documented pain-management plan that reflects the patient's medical history. Determine what around-the-clock coverage truly means in practice - how quickly a nurse can be in the room and how rapidly physicians or on-call clinicians can respond. Clarify the escalation pathway for concerns about medication changes and ensure there is a consistent point of contact across shifts. While compassion is evident, aligning clinical decisions with the patient's history makes the experience safer and more trustworthy in the long run.

The picture is inherently mixed, and decisions hinge on priorities. If spiritual and family-centered presence, emotional support, and immediate availability are decisive, Mission Hospice can deliver a deeply meaningful, almost serene transition for a loved one. If, however, the priority is a transparent, tightly coordinated medical approach with assertive pain control and history-driven decision-making, alternatives may suit better. Prospective clients should approach Mission with a clear, targeted set of questions about pain protocols, medical leadership involvement, and accountability on response times. Taken together, the strengths can deliver profound solace, but only when medical coordination keeps pace with the unwavering human care on offer.

In short, Mission Hospice stands as a solid option for families prioritizing round-the-clock compassionate presence and humane, patient-centered support at the end of life. It is less suited for those who require aggressive, highly coordinated medical management and unwavering adherence to a long-standing medical history. If medical oversight and prompt, personalized pain control are non-negotiable, consider other hospices with a stronger track record in those domains. If choosing Mission, insist on a concrete pain-management plan, secure direct involvement from medical leadership, and establish explicit expectations for on-demand responses. When these elements align, the experience can honor a loved one with dignity, peace, and the priceless comfort of true companionship at the end of life.

Located in the charming city of South Pasadena, this neighborhood offers convenient access to a variety of essential amenities for senior living. With several pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy within close proximity, residents can easily access their medication needs. Nearby parks like Garfield Park and Alhambra Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare options, Huntington Memorial Hospital Nicu and Glendale Adventist Medical Center are readily accessible for medical emergencies. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, offering a diverse selection of dining options. Additionally, places of worship like San Marino Community Church Nursery School cater to spiritual needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with easy access to essential services for senior residents.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Garfield Park (0.3 miles)
• Arroyo Seco Park (0.9 miles)
• Alhambra Park (1.5 miles)
• Lacy Park (1.8 miles)
• Brookside Park (2.4 miles)
• Almansor Park (2.9 miles)
• Granada Park (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Huntington Memorial Hospital Nicu (1.2 miles)
• Usc-Norris Cancer Hospital (5 miles)
• Medical 2 unit (5 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (5 miles)
• LAC+USC Inpatient Tower (5.2 miles)
• Prado Center (5.5 miles)
• Methodist Hospital of Southern California (6.4 miles)

Cafes

• Charlie's Coffee House (1.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.1 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (2.5 miles)
• Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (1.3 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.7 miles)
• Urth Caffé-Pasadena (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• San Marino Community Church Nursery School (2 miles)
• Saint Rita's Catholic Church (6.6 miles)
• Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church (6.7 miles)

Physicians

• Doheny Eye Center (5.7 miles)
• Santa Anita Medical Plaza (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• 0206 Amc Bar Santa Ani (6 miles)
• AMC The Americana at Brand 18 (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Union Station (6.5 miles)