Choosing the Right Hospice Provider

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Choosing the Right Hospice Provider

What Should You Look for in a Hospice Provider?

Unfortunately, some families and loved ones of a terminally ill person are lead to believe that they need to choose a network hospice provider, or one that a provider  prefers to work with (such as an adult care home or facility that provides assisted living). This is simply not the case. While palliative care may be provided to differing degrees at many facilities, it is often provided by an outside service. Ultimately, selecting the best hospice provider for the patient’s and the family’s needs is a choice that is up to the patient and their family.

Choosing the right hospice provider for your situation is not overly complicated, but like choosing any type of service provider, the process may require some research and a bit of legwork. It can be as simple as taking a doctor’s or caregiver’s referral, but in most cases, finding the best hospice provider possible requires a bit more time and effort.

Hospice and Medicare

Hospice is paid for by Medicare and patients have the option to choose any hospice provider they prefer. There are often distinct differences in services provided, as well as underlying philosophies regarding death, spirituality, what is and isn’t appropriate palliative care, and many other factors that contribute to a patient’s perceived quality of hospice care. Regardless of any referrals you may have received, the choice is ultimately between the patient and the patient’s family and loved ones.

Hospice Referrals

It is perfectly acceptable to engage a hospice provider based on a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver’s recommendation. It may work out that the provider recommended to you meets the needs of the patient without any ideological or other conflicts. The provider may even be the best possible fit for your needs in your area. But they may not be — not all hospice providers provide equal levels of care.

Multiple Interviews

It is, therefore, a good idea to interview at least three providers prior to making a decision on whom to go with for hospice care. From many perspectives, selecting a hospice care provider may be one of the most important health care decisions made in the patient’s lifetime. Difference in service typically comes down to the specific individuals who will be in direct contact with the person receiving hospice care, such as the RN, the social worker, bath assistants, and not necessarily the company that manages and contracts these providers – though different companies, with any industry, have different philosophies.

Choosing the Right Hospice for Your Situation

The bottom line is that an educated decision is better than one made based on a single referral or an existing relationship between your current healthcare provider and a hospice care provider. Make sure to ask around, to research the potential companies in your area that seem to fit your family’s and the patient’s needs, and to interview actual care providers within your top choices. Choosing hospice care can be challenging, primarily because of the emotional terrain you may be navigating while trying to make a good decision. Understand, above all else, that you have a choice in whom you choose to select as a provider.  

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