QUESTIONS TO ASK
Choosing a hospice is a very important
decision. While all hospice programs may have
the same basic philosophy of care, each is
different in someways. Hospice programs are
very willing to answer questions and assist in
determining which hospice can best meet the
needs of a particular patient and family.
95% of hospice care is given in the home. The
home is defined by where the patient lives, not
necessarily their permanent residence. This can
include a residential home, nursing home, skilled
nursing facility, hospital, etc. Everyone in Florida
can be served by hospice. When searching for
a Hospice Program, it is not important that the
hospice office be located near the patient’s home,
because the professional care givers travel to the
patient’s place of residence to provide routine
care. However, you do want to choose a hospice
program that serves your county.
Answers to the following questions will assist you
in making a decision about hospice care:
• What services does the hospice provide?
• Will the program cover the cost of the
patient’s medications (provide a list of the
patient’s medications)?
• Does the hospice provide all levels of care?
• Is the hospice accredited by The Joint
Commission, Accreditation Commission
for Health Care, or the Community Health
Accreditation Program?
• How many times per week will a nurse and
other hospice staff visit?
• Are home health aides readily available from
the hospice?
• How many hours of home health aide support
can be expected each week?
• Who is the hospice physician and will he/she
work with the patient’s physician to provide
care? Are they hospice and palliative care
board certified?
• What facilities does the hospice use for
inpatient care?
• What facilities does the hospice use for
respite care?
• Will volunteers be assigned?
• How many hours of support from volunteers
can be expected each week?
• If palliative treatments such as radiation,
chemotherapy, or blood transfusions are
needed for symptom control, does the
hospice provide this therapy?
• If the patient or family is unhappy with any
aspect of the program, what will be done to
address the problem?
• If this hospice program is chosen, how soon
can services be started?
• What support does this hospice provide to
the family after the patient dies?
• What does the hospice admission process
include?
• How does the hospice manage pain?
• How are families involved in the patient’s
care?
• Who handles the paperwork for the insurance
billing?
See page 89 for a directory of hospice providers
If you have any additional questions regarding how to
choose a hospice, call our Consumer Hotline at
800- 282-6560 or email us at info@floridahospices.org.
Hospice
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