How to Choose the Right Hospice Care for Your Loved One

Choosing a hospice company for your loved one is a significant decision. While every hospice company provides the same services for their patients, ensuring you’re selecting the right one can be challenging. How can you know you’re choosing the best care for one of the most important people in your life? You should consider a few things to ensure your loved one receives the compassionate, professional care they deserve.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance is often a factor in determining hospice services for your loved one. If your parent or loved one has private health insurance, there’s a chance it includes provisions for at-home hospice care. However, like many other private health insurance coverage, home health and hospice services coverage can vary widely. For example, some insurances cover hospice caregiver support while others do not.

On the other hand, hospice-related care, supplies, medications, and equipment are covered 100% by Medicare, Med Advantage Plans, and Medicaid. Dignity Health and Hospice is a certified provider for all Medicare and Medicaid services, including all Medicare Advantage plans covered under different insurance agencies in Utah. If you have questions regarding Medicare or coverage under private insurance, don’t hesitate to call us.

Compare Hospice Care Providers Reviews

Reading hospice care provider reviews can help you determine which provider to choose. Research local companies in your area, and then read online reviews. These reviews can be found on the company’s website, Google, social media, crowd-sourced business review sites, and more. Ask around on social media for companies that friends and family would suggest. When finding a hospice company for your loved one, reading reviews and listening to referrals from friends can go a long way.

Ask Questions

We recommend meeting with the company and asking them various questions to help determine the best hospice services for your loved one. Because hospice care focuses on offering comfort and enhancing the quality of life during the final stages of your loved one’s life, it’s essential to learn as much as possible about the company. Some questions to consider asking include:

• Are you licensed and accredited? 
  

  Ask the hospice provider if they are licensed by the state and have all the necessary accreditations from recognized national organizations. Having these licenses and accreditations ensures the company meets specific professional standards.

  
  
• What is your experience and history?
  

  When you meet with the hospice provider, consider asking them how long they have been in hospice care. What is the extent of their experience? Consider asking how they are regarded within the community.

  
  
• What range of services do you offer? 
  

  Hospice care comprises many services, so it’s important to determine if its range of services fits your loved one’s needs. For example, does it offer pain management, counseling, bereavement support, and spiritual guidance?

  
  
• What are the qualifications of your staff?
  

  One of the most important questions to consider is the qualifications and training of their staff. The best hospice companies have a multidisciplinary team that includes counselors, therapists, social workers, nurses, and physicians.

  
  
• What is your operation area?
  

  Before hiring a hospice company, you’ll need to ensure that they operate within your loved one’s area, whether an assisted living establishment, nursing facility, or personal home. Inquire about their emergency support and if they offer timely visits.

  
  
• What is the patient-to-staff ratio?
  

  The quality of your loved one’s care will largely be determined by how many patients the staff oversees. You’ll want to ensure the company has a lower patient-to-staff ratio because that will mean your loved one receives personalized attention.

  
  
• Are your services available 24/7? 
  

  Some crises and symptoms can arise unexpectedly. It’s important to find a hospice provider that offers 24/7 support and allows for immediate assistance when required.

  
  
• How do you communicate with the patient and the patient’s family?
  

  Communication is critical in hospice care. Ask the company how it communicates with patients and their families and whether it provides forthright communication about the patient’s progress or any issues that may arise.

  
  
• How much can our family be involved?
  

  Hospice companies often have different policies regarding family members’ involvement in their care. It is important to understand the rules and how much you can be involved.

  
  
• Are you accommodating with cultural and spiritual considerations? 
  

  Hospice companies must provide care that aligns with patients’ personal, cultural, and religious beliefs. The best hospice companies are flexible about these accommodations.

  
  

Get professional opinions

Asking for referrals from healthcare professionals can help determine which hospice company you should consider hiring. Some professionals you should consider asking for a referral include physicians, social workers, patients, family members, hospital discharge planners, or anyone else directly involved in caring for your loved one.

Trust Dignity Hospice

Regarding your loved one’s care, you know not to trust just anyone. At Dignity, we proudly provide our patients with specialized, compassionate care. Contact us today for your free consultation.