Choosing the Right Hospice for Your Loved One: 7 Questions to Ask
Having options can be good. Would you agree? Whether it’s for ourselves or a loved one, hospice care is something that we may all need someday. And, it’s crucial to know that we do have the option to choose the treatment and care received at the end of life.
At Absolute Hospice, we understand that considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one is never an easy subject to think about or discuss. The journey of finding and selecting the right hospice can be emotional, stressful and overwhelming while raising many questions for all parties involved. Here are seven questions you can ask to help determine if the hospice center you’re considering is the right fit for you.
1.) Is the hospice able to meet your specific care needs? When looking for the right hospice for yourself or a loved one, be sure to address all of your concerns about care and how the staff will address those concerns.
2.) Is the hospice covered by Medicare? If an individual is the beneficiary of Medicare, this is essential in order for reimbursement to be permitted. For a list of Medicare-certified hospice care centers, you can utilize the Medicare Hospice Directory.
3.) Are there any limits on treatments currently being received? Is the hospice able to provide the same care that the patient is receiving?
4.) What is the expectation of the family’s role in caregiving? How active can the family be in the care plan? Ask questions to understand if what the hospice is expecting is consistent with what the family is able to do.
5.) How fast does the hospice respond during a crisis? What is the average response time if the family needed assistance at 2AM on a weekend?
6.) What is your overall impression of the hospice company at initial contact? First impressions mean a lot when searching for the right hospice. Consider how staff interacted with you, whether it’s by phone or in person.
7.) Does the hospice offer any bereavement services to family members? Losing a loved one under any circumstance is life-altering, and grief is to be expected. Bereavement services can be a great benefit to family members. The types of grief support can vary and can include individual counseling, support groups or educational materials.
If you are in need of hospice care for yourself or a loved one, go through these questions with a social worker. If you’d like to learn how Absolute Hospice can be a part of your care team, call us for an appointment at 330.498.8075.