How to Choose A Hospice
Choosing a hospice is a very important decision. While hospice programs may have the same basic philosophy of care, each differs in some ways. Hospices are eager to answer questions and help you decide which hospice can best meet your needs. Here is a list of questions to help you choose the hospice program that is best for you:
- What services does the hospice program provide?
- Will the program cover the costs of the patient’s medications?
- How many times per week will a nurse and other hospice staff visit?
- Are home health aides readily available from the hospice?
- How many hours of home health aide support can be expected each week?
- Who is the hospice physician? How will he or she work with the patient’s physician to provide care?
- Does the hospice program offer inpatient care? If so, what facilities does the program use?
- What facilities does the hospice use for respite care?
- Will volunteers be assigned?
- How many hours of support from volunteers can be expected each week?
- How does the hospice manage pain?
- How are families involved in the patient’s care?
- What type of education is provided to the person and family about the disease process, hospice care, and other issues?
- If palliative (comfort care) treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, or blood transfusions are needed for symptom control, does the hospice provide this therapy?
- If this hospice program is chosen, how soon can the services be started?
- What does the hospice admissions process include?
- How is a plan of care developed?
- What support does the hospice provide to the family after the patient dies?
- How does the hospice staff, working with the patient and family members, honor the patient’s wishes?
- How many patients at any one time are assigned to each hospice staff member who will be caring for the patient?
- Is the hospice program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?
- Is this hospice program Medicare certified?
- Is the program licensed by the state?
- How many years has the program been serving this community?
- Can your program provide references from professionals, such as social workers, who have used this service?
- Does the hospice program train, supervise and monitor its caregivers? Are the caregivers licensed? Does the hospice do a criminal background check on its caregivers?
- Who can you call with questions and complaints? What is the process for resolving issues?