Tips for Choosing the Right Hospice Care Provider
Finding the right company to provide hospice care for your loved one is important. While all hospice companies offer similar services, how can you know that you’re choosing the right hospice company for your loved one?
When a patient is first referred to hospice services by a healthcare provider, they are given a list of local companies. Though each company provides similar services, there are key differences between each company that could impact the services provided to your loved one. Like any other healthcare decision, it’s essential to be informed about all options before making a choice. Here are some tips and things to consider when choosing a hospice care provider.
Looking at Reviews
When choosing a hospice provider, you’ll want to choose one that is compassionate, caring, professional, and has excellent communication. To help in your selection, read through online reviews on sites like Google and Yelp. In many cases, social media sites will also have places for patients and families of patients to leave comments and reviews. One valuable tool is Medicare’s Care Compare tool, which allows you to search and read reviews of providers near you.
Also, ask friends or family members if they have had experience with a particular hospice company and what their experience may be. Healthcare providers will also have companies they recommend. After all, one of the most significant factors that will help you determine what company to choose is selecting a company with a strong reputation in the community.
Review their mission and values
Each hospice company has its mission statement and values. Reading their mission statement should give you an idea of their qualities and how they treat their patients. At Dignity, we strive to provide high-quality services and excellent communication. We treat you as family, providing specialized, compassionate, and trusted care that improves the quality of life of your loved one and comforts you and other family members.
Ask Questions
Being in hospice also comes with many uncertainties, many of which are unknown to family members before they enter their loved ones into care. Before choosing a company, we suggest you meet with several providers to ask questions. This process empowers you to make informed decisions. It’s important to speak with the provider before any service begins, not only because it will help you understand hospice care but also because it will help you narrow down companies.
Have a friend or family member take notes during the meeting. Being prepared with a variety of questions helps you know what to expect. A few questions to consider asking include:
- Does your hospice company accept my loved one’s insurance? If so, what treatments and services will be covered by the insurance?
- What medical equipment does your hospice company provide, and what equipment are we expected to provide?
- How long has your hospice company been serving patients?
- What is expected of family members during hospice?
- Will my loved one see the same hospice nurse? What other members of your hospice company will we meet with?
- How long does it take your company to respond if we have an emergency?
- How many patients are assigned to each nurse?
- Is anyone from your company available if there is an emergency after hours, on weekends, or holidays?
- How does your hospice company keep me informed about my loved one’s care?
- How will my family make care decisions for my loved one?
- What counseling and grieving services do you provide?
- How does your hospice company prepare our family for what to expect?
- Does your company have any quality data to share?
- What is the difference between your hospice and others?
As you can see, there are many questions you can ask a hospice company in the process of finding the perfect care for your loved one. At Dignity Home Health & Hospice, we understand this is an extensive choice and are here to answer any questions you may have.
Compare Providers
Once you’ve compiled information on all the available hospice providers in your area, it’s time to compare providers. What matters to you and your loved one? What services fit your lifestyle best, and what companies provide the type of service you need?
Dignity provides excellent service, care, and communication for families in Utah. We come to your home, whether it is a private residence, assisted living center, nursing home, or senior care center. If your loved one is recovering from a stroke, has a terminal illness, has declining alertness, has a decreased quality of life, or cannot perform daily living tasks, they could benefit from hospice care. At Dignity, we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and help with the needs of our patients and their families. You can trust Dignity Home Health & Hospice for hospice care in Utah.