909-644-4965How To Find The Right Hospice
How To Find The Right Hospice
August 26, 2022
Looking for the right hospice partner for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming, especially if you have to do so quickly or unexpectedly. Many hospices provide similar services, so it is important to find a partner you trust with a care philosophy that makes you feel comfortable and confident your goals of care will be met.
Here are some basic questions to ask and information to look for to help you find the right care partner.
Questions to ask a hospice provider
· Who will provide hospice care?
The goal of hospice is to relieve suffering and improve quality of life by addressing all aspects of a patient’s needs, including medical care, pain and symptom relief, emotional and spiritual support. With hospice encompassing so many aspects of care, the hospice team should be made up of many experts including physicians, nurses, aides, volunteers, counselors, social workers and therapists. When considering a hospice, make sure to ask about the hospice team that will be available to support your goals of care.
· How often will someone be there to provide support?
Hospice is not a place – it is a special type of care that can be provided in many settings, including the home or a care facility. Hospice care is provided at different levels of care depending on the needs of the patient. Talk to the hospice provider about your situation and expectations for the level of care you require to make sure you are aligned.
· What services are available to help the family during this process?
Q: Can you describe Charter’s approach to spiritual counseling?
Family caregivers can play a significant role in the hospice journey. A hospice provider can provide respite care to allow family caregivers much needed breaks while ensuring their loved one is cared for. Additionally, bereavement support offered throughout the hospice experience can help a patient and their loved ones manage the many emotions that can come at various times during the hospice journey.
Important hospice information
Quality Ratings
You can look up a hospice’s quality ratings by using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Care Compare website. These metrics are based on data hospices must report to remain CMS certified and include a mix of claims-based measures, CAHPS scores and other public use information. Quality information is very important when selecting a hospice, but it should not be the only factor you consider. A hospice’s care approach and family and patient satisfaction are just as critical when selecting a partner.
Medicare Coverage
Many people don’t realize that hospice is a special benefit covered by Medicare. If you meet the eligibility criteria for hospice and are enrolled in Medicare, all hospice-related care and services will be completely covered. Hospice is also covered by Medicaid and many private insurances. Contact your doctor to find out if you or your loved one meet the eligibility requirements for hospice and then speak with your insurance plan to understand your coverage
For more information about Charter Healthcare’s hospice program or to speak to a representative, contact us.
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