Questions to ask when searching for hospice
Overall Program
- Does the hospice accept my insurance?
- What treatments will be covered?
- How long has the hospice been providing services?
- Where are the services provided (in home, inpatient etc)?
- Will the hospice provide a hospital bed and other equipment that I might need?
Availability
- Will I have the same hospice nurse? How often will I see them?
- How many patients are assigned to each nurse?
- Does the hospice have help after business hours? Nights? Weekends? Holidays?
- When I call with an urgent need, how long will it take someone to respond?
Symptom management
- How will the hospice team manage my pain or other symptoms that arise?
- Can I still take my current medications?
- What if my symptoms are uncontrollable at home? Can I go to the hospital?
Communication, coordination, and education
- How will the hospice team keep me and my family informed about my condition?
- Will my family and I be involved in making care decisions?
- How do I communicate any questions or concerns I have about my care?
- Can I still see my regular doctor if I am still on hospice? If yes, then how will the hospice team coordinate care with my doctor?
- How will the hospice team prepare me and my family for what to expect?
Caregiver resources
- Can we speak with other caregivers to learn of their experience with the hospice?
- What support services are offered by the hospice? What are our options if we need a break from providing care?
- What if we can no longer care for our loved one at home?
- How will the hospice team support us emotionally through the grieving process?
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