What to Ask When Hospice is Needed
When navigating serious or terminal illness, it's essential to understand the difference between hospice and palliative care to make informed choices. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Hospice care, on the other hand, is designed for individuals nearing the end of life, where the focus shifts entirely to comfort and support, rather than curative treatment. Both approaches prioritize dignity and compassion, but hospice emphasizes care for those in the final months of life.
If you or a loved one are considering hospice care, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions to ensure the provider aligns with your needs and values. Below are suggestions to guide your conversations with hospice providers.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a deeply personal decision. The following questions can help you and your family better understand a hospice’s services and approach to care:
Bring Support
When interviewing a hospice provider, consider having a friend or family member present. They can act as an advocate, take notes, and help process the information shared.Caregiver Expectations
What role will the family caregiver play, and what specific responsibilities will they have?Training for Caregivers
Will the hospice provide training or resources to help family caregivers confidently care for their loved one?Visit Frequency
How often will members of the hospice team visit, and how long do visits typically last?Medication Access
When medications are ordered, will the hospice deliver them, or will they need to be picked up elsewhere?After-Hours Support
What is the hospice’s typical response time if assistance is needed after business hours, on weekends, or during holidays?Home Visits for Symptom Management
If symptoms are difficult to manage, will the hospice send a nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician to the home? How quickly can they respond?Plan of Care
How quickly will the hospice develop a care plan, and will it be shared with the family and caregivers?Managing Complex Symptoms
What steps does the hospice take if symptoms cannot be adequately managed at home?Inpatient Care Options
If inpatient care becomes necessary, where will it be provided, and how will the hospice facilitate this transition?Coverage and Limitations
Are there any services, medications, or equipment that the hospice does not provide? Providers are required to disclose this information and explain why certain items may not be covered.Anticipated Costs
What out-of-pocket expenses should the family prepare for, if any?Respite Care
Does the hospice offer respite care to give family caregivers a break? How is it arranged, and where will the patient stay during this time?Volunteer Support
What services do hospice volunteers offer, and how can families request their assistance?Quality Assurance
Does the hospice have quality data or reviews it can share?Support After Death
If a hospice team member is not present at the time of death, will the hospice provide guidance and support to the family?Bereavement Support
What kind of grief and bereavement support does the hospice offer to family members after a loss?Addressing Concerns
If there are concerns or dissatisfaction with care, who should be contacted, and what is the process for resolving issues?
Special Considerations
In some cases, additional questions may help ensure the hospice provider can meet specific needs:
Inclusivity
For individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, ask whether the hospice has received education and training on inclusive care and if it has a non-discrimination policy.Language Support
For non-English speaking patients or families, confirm that the hospice can provide interpreters or multilingual staff.Specialized Training
If the patient has intellectual or developmental disabilities, ask if the hospice team is trained to provide compassionate, appropriate care for these needs.Household Needs
Share any special needs of others in the household and ask how the hospice can accommodate them to ensure patient care and family dynamics are supported.
Carefully considering these questions can help you choose a hospice provider that aligns with your loved one’s needs and values, creating a more supportive and compassionate experience for everyone involved. For more information, visit the Hospice Foundation of America atwww.hospicefoundation.org or call 800-854-3405.
