Questions to Ask
Hospice is considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end-of-life. While most hospices provide the same basic set of services, each hospice may handle specific care issues differently. Before you choose a hospice for your family, learn as much about potential providers as possible.
General Questions to Ask
- What does the admission process involve?
- If we choose your hospice, when will someone be available to do the admission?
- Are all costs covered by Medicare or health insurance?
- Is the hospice program state licensed, Medicare certified and JCAHO or ACHC Accredited?
- How does the hospice staff work to honor the patient's wishes?
- How often will each hospice staff member visit?
- How does hospice provide care for residents in different care settings?
- Does the hospice use a staffing service for after-hours care or does the hospice staff handle after-hours care?
- What measure does the hospice use to ensure quality of care?
Caregiver Support
- Are family care givers given the information and training they need to care for their loved one?
- Is respite care relief for caregiver available?
- Where is inpatient respite care provided?
Medical Care
- What is the role of the patient's physician once hospice care begins?
- How will the hospice physician oversee the patient's care and work with the patient's doctor?
- Does the hospice staff regularly discuss and routinely evaluate pain control and symptom management with the patients and families?
- How quickly does the hospice respond to after-hour emergencies?
- Under what circumstances can my loved one go to the hospital?
- What will happen if care can not be managed at home?
- What kind of response can I expect from the hospice when my loved one makes a change for the worse?
- What services are provided when death occurs?
Emotional & Spiritual Support
- How does the hospice meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient and family?
- Does the hospice help with referrals to other services as needed?
- Is the chaplain available for spiritual counseling for patient and family?
- Are other services, such as chaplain or social worker, available after-hours?
Volunteer Support
- What services do volunteers offer?
- What screening process and type of training do hospice volunteers receive before they visit with patiens and families?
Grief Support
- What services does the hospice offer to help the patient and loved ones deal with grief and loss?
- Are loved ones told what to expect in the dying process and what happens after that patient's death?
- What bereavement services are available after the patient dies?