Questions to Ask Hospice
Once you decide that hospice is right for you or for your loved one, a doctor, hospital, or nursing facility may recommend a specific hospice provider. However, families are free to interview and choose any approved hospice provider that they prefer. San Antonio has numerous hospice organizations to choose from and narrowing it down can be daunting.
When considering your options, it is important that you learn as much as you can about each hospice company to ensure you choose the right match for you. Be sure to ask questions up front so that you know the company’s policies on things like availability, symptom management and how to communicate with the staff. Medicare.gov provides some helpful questions which we’ve posted below. The pdf with these questions can be found at this link: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/en/assets/resources/hospice/HospiceChecklist-Final-Clean.pdf
MEDICARE RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS FOR HOSPICE
Overall Questions About The Hospice Company
- Does the hospice accept my insurance?
- What services and treatments will be covered?
- How long has the hospice been serving patients?
- Where are hospice services provided?
- Will the hospice provide a hospital bed and other medical equipment I might need?
Availability
- Will I have the same hospice nurse? What other members of the hospice team might I see, and how often will I see them?
- How many patients are assigned to each hospice nurse?
- Does the hospice have help after business hours? Nights? Weekends? Holidays?
- When I call with an urgent need, how long will it take for someone from the hospice team to respond?
Symptom Management
- How will the hospice team manage my pain or other symptoms that arise?
- Can I take my current medications?
- What if my symptoms become 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 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 on hospice? If yes, 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 cannot take care of our loved one at home?
- How will the hospice team support us emotionally through the grieving process?
Selecting the right hospice company is a difficult and emotional decision and we understand that it is not a choice you will make lightly. St. John’s Hospice is here to answer any questions that you may have. Call one of St. John’s compassionate care team members at 210-718-0551 to set up a time to meet and talk about the care we provide. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
