When choosing hospice care, it is essential to know what to look for. Many hospice care programs offer the same benefits, and nearly all of them take Medicare. However, there are other considerations that you should make to ensure that you pick the right care for your patient. Here are five things to consider when looking at hospice care near you.

Check for Accreditation 

All hospice care has to meet state and federal regulations before they can offer their services. Many people don’t know that they don’t need to seek accreditation. Some hospice care providers seek to have approval from the Joint Commission or the Community Health Accreditation Program. It doesn’t mean that a hospice care provider is worse if they lack these credentials, but it is vital to look for if this is meaningful to you.

Rely on Word-of-Mouth and Referrals

One of the best ways to find a high-quality care hospice program for your elderly patient is by listening to people around you. Those in assisted living homes likely know someone who has been transitioned into hospice. Hearing their referral likely will help you make decisions for your loved one that you can trust.

Find a Great Match for Your Patient

If you need to have the right “chemistry” between the hospice staff and your patient, then this tip is worth pursuing. People can conduct interviews while the patient is still in the assisted living home to see if the hospice care individual would be a good fit. It is more beneficial to ensure that patients and staff get along. Hospice is a significantly important part of a person’s life, and you want to make sure you trust and can get along with the people helping you during this time.

Check for Special Features with Their Care

As mentioned, most hospice care offers primary care that all hospice patients need. However, if you want to have specific features, it is vital to make sure the hospice care facility can offer your patient. Your elderly patient might be receiving special treatment for their condition in the assisted living home that you have to maintain as they make their transition. Don’t be afraid to contact the company and ask them questions before making your decision.

The Cost

With many hospice care programs, it is included in Medicare. However, some might require more payment because of the added features. You have to make the right decision for your elderly loved one and your checkbook. Finding the best care for the best price is essential. If you can pay to have extra features and care, it is essential to factor this into your search.

Hospice care and narrowing down your choices is critical. It is the last stage people have in their lives. Alas, it is crucial to make the right one. If you consider the factors mentioned above in your search, you will make the right choice as you transition the patient out of assisted living and into hospice care.

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Bibliography

CHAP Community Health Accreditation Partner. “CHAP – Community Health Accreditation Partner.” CHAP Community Health Accreditation Partner, 22 Jan. 2021, chapinc.org.

The Joint Commission. “Home.” The Joint Commission, 2021, www.jointcommission.org.