10 Tips on How to Choose a Hospice Provider

Deciding on hospice care is one of the most crucial calls you'll make for yourself, your family, and any cherished ones. Each hospice provider is required to present a standard of services. So how can you ensure the best possible program has been selected?

choosing a Hospice Provider

As you select end-of-life care, consider the following factors and questions to ensure your family members get timely, compassionate services. By doing this, you can be assured that everyone will receive the highest quality of hospice care possible.

1. Assess the provider's credentials, licensure, and payment policy before engaging with them.
2. Research the provider’s history and reputation to be sure of its quality care.
3. Find out what services are available.
4. Confirm that the program offers all four levels of hospice care.
5. Ask specific questions about the hospice program’s ability to provide specialty care.
6. Explore supportive hospice services.
7. Thoroughly evaluate the provider's capacity to address the needs of individuals with serious illnesses or complex conditions.
8. Discuss financial options with the hospice providers and compare costs
9. When applicable, schedule an in-person tour of the facility to discover if it fits your family’s needs.
10. Make a final decision based on all the information gathered during your research process

1. Assess the provider's credentials, licensure, and payment policy before engaging with them

Is the hospice Medicare-certified, licensed, and recognized by your state? Has it been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a We Honor Veterans program? Does it consider Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and major private insurance policies for its services? Can patients with limited or no medical coverage or funds obtain charity care from this facility?

2. Research the provider’s history and reputation to be sure of its quality of care

Check reviews from patients and families who have received services from this provider in the past; look for any issues or complaints they may have had. Also, ask the provider to provide references from current clients or their healthcare providers so you can assess the quality of care they offer and get an idea of their experience with the provider.

3. Find out what hospice services are available

What types of hospice services does the provider provide? Does it include inpatient, at-home, or bereavement services? Will the provider coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and holistic treatment? Does the provider have any additional services or specialties that may be beneficial to your loved one?

4. Confirm that the program offers all four levels of hospice care

The four levels of hospice care are routine home care, continuous home care, respite care, and general in-patient. Regardless of which level of hospice care is most appropriate, the provider should deliver all equipment and directions related to the admitting diagnosis free of charge. Is this something they offer?

5. Ask specific questions about the hospice program’s ability to provide specialty care

Are you able to start receiving hospice care immediately? Is admission available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays? Does the program offer a round-the-clock hotline staffed by qualified clinicians who can answer your queries or address crises during an emergency?

6. Explore supportive hospice services

Does the hospice provider offer additional services such as spiritual care; physical, occupational, and speech therapies; nutritional assistance; social work services; home health aides, or volunteers? Have they developed individualized plans to meet your loved one’s needs during end-of-life care? Do they provide palliative care for chronic illnesses in addition to hospice services? Is there a bereavement support program? Are special programs available for veterans and their families?

7. Thoroughly evaluate the provider's capacity to address the needs of individuals with serious illnesses or complex conditions

Do they have a multidisciplinary team of professional staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable and experienced in providing specialized care? Are the facilities handicap-accessible with specialized equipment to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities? Has the team obtained special accreditation in providing comfort care to individuals with cardiac disorders, lung diseases, Alzheimer's, and other conditions? How well does the provider manage pain and other symptoms?

8. Discuss financial options with the hospice providers and compare costs

Although Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and private insurance policies usually cover most of the cost of hospice services, some providers may offer additional financial options or discounts. It is important to ask about all costs and payment arrangements before you make a final decision.

9. Schedule an in-person tour of the facility to discover if it is the right fit for your family’s needs

Visit the provider’s facility and ask questions to make sure the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If possible, talk to other families or individuals who have received hospice services from the provider. This can help you understand what to expect when your loved one enters their care.

10. Make a final decision based on all the information gathered during your research process

Choose a hospice provider that best meets the needs of your loved one and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Talk to the staff about any concerns or questions you may have. Once you’ve selected a provider, staying in contact with them throughout the process is important, so your loved one receives the highest quality of care.

By taking the time to research and fully understand the hospice provider you’re considering, you can ensure that your family member or loved one will receive the best possible care and services for their end-of-life needs. With these points in mind, you can be confident that you have made the right decision for them.

HOSPICE CARE IN LAFAYETTE AND ACADIANA

HOPE Healthcare and Hospice provides the highest quality care for individuals and families facing end-of-life situations. We consider each individual’s unique needs by offering an array of services that can be tailored specifically to the patient and their family.  

OUR INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM SUPPORTS YOU

Our experienced hospice care team is available to provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support throughout the journey, including medication delivery, medical equipment and supplies, end-of-life resources, and grief support when needed. 

HOPE HEALTHCARE AND HOSPICE

No one should go through the end-of-life process without support and dignity; that’s why HOPE Healthcare and Hospice exists. Our mission is simple—to bring comfort and dignity into the lives of those who need special assistance at this challenging time.

If you or someone you know is showing any signs listed above that may indicate it’s time for hospice care, reach out and contact us today! We are here to help you every step of the way.