With so many hospice providers to choose from, selecting the right one to provide compassionate end-of-life care at home can be overwhelming.
Choosing a hospice care provider isn’t a decision to take lightly. After all, this is the company that’s going to be sending someone into your home to care for your senior loved one. This is a selection you want to make only after meticulous research and asking a lot of questions.
With the right fit, you can feel confident knowing your loved one will be kept comfortable while you receive support through the difficult transition. Here are some considerations when selecting an at-home hospice service.
Ask for The Services They Provide
Hospice care encompasses a wide range of services designed to provide comfort and support at the end of life. These may include medical care, pain management, emotional support, spiritual counseling, and help with daily activities.
The services available can vary greatly between different hospice providers. You'll want to find a provider that offers the specific services your loved one needs to have their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs met during their remaining time.
Related article: What Is Hospice Care?
Ask Professionals and Your Inner Circle
In addition to evaluating the services offered, another useful strategy for selecting an at-home hospice provider is to get input from professionals and your loved one's inner circle.
Asking for opinions from the patient's doctor or social worker can provide valuable insight into reputable local hospice organizations. They may have first-hand experience collaborating with hospices in your area.
Input from close family and friends who know your loved one's personality and care preferences very well can also help assess if a provider's approach seems like a good fit.
Getting professional recommendations combined with the perspectives of those who know your senior loved one best can give you a well-rounded view as you weigh the various hospice care options.
After-Hours Service
Some hospice care services are only available during normal business and waking hours. Other services, on the other hand, offer 24/7 services with rotating caregivers.
At Home Instead, we pride ourselves on always matching caregivers with our clients' individual needs. Whether a client requires 24/7 care or just a few visits per week, we will work closely with them to develop a customized care plan.
Insurance Coverage
Like hospitals and dentists, some hospice care providers may accept some insurance providers but not others. So, you need to determine whether a company takes your insurance.
If so, what’s the deductible cost, if any? And if not, you will need to determine how to cover the cost associated with the care.
Involve Your Senior Loved One in the Decision-Making Process
While you usually take the lead in arranging hospice care and make the final decision, be sure your senior loved one has a say in the matter as well. Seniors with capacity should have the opportunity to express their preferences and have them guide the selection.
Ask them open-ended questions to understand their priorities, fears, and wishes. Share options and get their input on factors like services offered, caregiver approaches, and policies on pets or family visits. Respect their choices and advocate for the provider they are most comfortable with.
We Provide Compassionate Hospice Care in Lafayette, LA
We at Home Instead recognize that every patient and their daily needs are different. This is why we tailor home care to your specific situation.
We always strive to match our caregivers with clients based on their unique needs and preferences. They also go beyond providing the basic needs. The necessities they perform are coupled with compassion, a friendly attitude, and genuine care for your loved one’s medical progress and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a free Care Consultation with our Care Manager!
