The Questions You Should Ask When Choosing a Hospice Program

by - The Alleviate Care Team

Hospice care offers comfort, compassion, and support to patients with a terminal illness. Having a hospice provider that fits your values and operates with integrity and professionalism can ensure this experience honors every patient and family member’s needs and dignity at the end of life.

Unfortunately, not all hospice programs are created equal.

But how do you find the right hospice? It’s an important decision, so basic online searches aren’t enough. Many who go through this experience for the first time aren’t sure how to evaluate hospice programs or what questions to ask.

This can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As hospice experts, we’re here to guide you through the process, arming you with the essential questions we would ask in choosing a hospice provider for our loved ones.

Some considerations are straightforward, like location and the types of services that are offered, but it’s important to dig a little deeper to assess a program’s quality, values, and operations. Asking a few simple questions across these key areas will help you make a more informed decision and find a hospice care provider that will put you and your family first during this important time.

Clinical Quality & Professionalism

We encourage you to look for a hospice provider that upholds the highest standards of clinical care so your loved one receives best-in-class medical support. Here are some questions that will help you assess a hospice provider’s clinical quality and professionalism.

Provider credentials: Are the hospice’s healthcare providers certified and experienced in palliative and end-of-life care? Look for doctors, nurses, and care coordinators who are qualified and trained specifically in hospice care.

Staffing ratios: What is the staff-to-patient ratio, and how often will a nurse or physician visit the patient? A lower ratio typically means more personalized care. Knowing how frequently medical staff visit their patients can help you assess the quality of care you or your loved one will receive.

Care coordination: How does the hospice provider coordinate with your primary healthcare team or specialists? Effective communication and coordination between providers ensures effective continuity of care. It’s helpful for everyone to be on the same page regarding care plans and patient needs.

Emergency protocols: How do they handle medical emergencies or after-hours issues? Are there on-call doctors and nurses available around the clock? Knowing how a provider responds to urgent situations provides peace of mind for patients and families.

Accreditation: Are they accredited by reputable organizations like The Joint Commission or the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)? Accreditation is a sign that the hospice provider meets high standards in healthcare services.

Values & Compassion

Hospice care is fundamentally about respecting the dignity and emotional well-being of patients and their families. These questions will help you understand a hospice provider’s values and approach to care.

Holistic care: How does the hospice provider address emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs? If these areas of care are important to you, look for services that respect diverse beliefs and for providers that offer comprehensive grief support for families. Ask about chaplaincy services and cultural sensitivity training.

Patient autonomy & family involvement: What is the hospice's philosophy on patient autonomy and family involvement in care decisions? A good provider prioritizes the patient’s wishes and actively involves family members in the decision-making process. Everyone should feel heard and respected.

Bereavement support: Does the hospice provide ongoing bereavement support for families, and for how long? Some provide support to families for up to a year or longer. The level of care offered to the family after their loved one passes is an indication of how a hospice provider will support families through the full end-of-life journey.

Modern Operations & Technology

Innovative systems and operations can significantly enhance the quality, efficiency, and personalization of hospice care. They improve patient comfort and well-being and foster more effective communication and coordination between families and care teams. Consider these questions about how hospice providers operate.

Technological advancements: What technology or innovations does the provider use to improve patient comfort and communication? Look for providers that incorporate pain management tools, telehealth services for remote consultations, and mobile apps that facilitate real-time updates and communication between patients, families, and care teams. Ask about resources that promote active participation in care decisions, ensuring that families are fully involved and informed throughout the process.

Palliative care innovations: How does the hospice provider incorporate advancements in palliative care treatments? What therapies or techniques do they use to manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety? It can be comforting to know your provider uses the latest evidence-based approaches to symptom management.

Data-driven insights: Does the hospice provider use data to improve the patient experience? Understanding how a provider tracks and analyzes data will shed light on its commitment to continuous improvement and enhancing patient care.

When you and your family look for a hospice provider, it’s essential to focus on more than just location or basic services. The questions outlined here can help you choose a hospice that’s right for you by guiding you through what healthcare providers like ourselves would ask.

Remember to prioritize clinical excellence, compassionate support, and modern care to ensure that you and your loved ones are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve—and have comfortable, meaningful moments with each other during this final stage of life.

---

Alleviate Care is Southern California’s trusted hospice provider.