How Do You Select a Hospice Provider?
McGregor PACE Has Tips to Make It Easy!
Hospice care is something none of us want to think about, but it is absolutely critical to have a plan and provider in place if you have an elderly family member or loved one. Not all hospice programs are created equal. So, what should you look for in a Northeast Ohio hospice provider? There are some very significant factors to consider, and we want to help you navigate this decision with some things you should think about.
Check for Certifications, Licensing, and Payment Options.
Don’t just assume that since a program is called hospice that they have all of the credentials they need to qualify as a top-notch program. Look for these certifications:
- Medicare Certification
- Department of Veterans Affairs’ “We Honor Veterans” Program
- Medicare/Medicaid/VA Benefit Acceptance
- Income-Based Financial Assistance
Understand the Program.
You should know what this program will offer to your loved one to make the experience what you need. Will they be working on an individualized program for your family? Who is on the team? How many intermediary providers are going to be assigned to your loved one? Do they provide education and training to help your family care for your loved one as well, and what kind of therapy and grief counseling services will they provide or assist with at the end of the hospice journey? These are all great questions to ask while interviewing potential hospice providers.
Hospice Has Four Levels. Will They Be There Throughout?
Hospice has four primary levels:
- In-Home Care
- 24-Hour In-Home Care
- Inpatient Hospice Care
- Respite Care for Caregivers
You need to know how involved the provider will be at each level, and you need to know what medical equipment and services they will provide at each level.
Do They Understand Your Culture?
You want to make sure that your hospice provider is a good fit culturally as well. Do they accommodate your religious beliefs and cultural traditions? As you get closer to the terminal diagnosis that will end hospice service, this becomes more important.
Are They Going to Help You Understand End-of-Life Options?
Ultimately, the hospice journey ends, and there will be difficult decisions to be made under tremendous amounts of pressure and stress. A good hospice provider should be able to walk you through this process and help you understand all steps and options, so you are prepared to make the right moves for you and your loved ones.
We want to talk. The hospice program at McGregor PACE gives the advantage of an all-inclusive, ongoing care program to provide hospice as part of a larger program. McGregor PACE’s hospice program comes directly to those in need of the services and can be customized to fit the individual needs of the patient and their family. We are proud of what we offer, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which hospice provider will be best for you. Let us answer your questions and tell you about our hospice program. Don’t wait until you are forced to make a decision, make it today. Contact us to get started.