Choosing a Hospice
How to Choose a Hospice Provider
Guidance on selecting the right hospice provider for your family.
Read guide →A comprehensive guide to help you evaluate and compare hospice providers. Ask these questions during your initial consultation to ensure you find the right fit for your loved one.
Written and reviewed by a board-certified hospice & palliative medicine physician
Last reviewed:
Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision. Most hospice providers offer similar basic services, but they can differ significantly in their approach to care, availability, specialties, and support services. Use these questions to compare providers and find the best match for your family's needs.
Why this matters: Some families need immediate care. Look for providers offering same-day or 24-hour admission when medically necessary.
Good answer: "We can typically start care within 24 hours, and we offer same-day admission in urgent situations."
Why this matters: Lower ratios mean more individualized attention and potentially better continuity of care.
What to look for: Ratios vary, but 1:12 to 1:15 is common. Ask if the same nurse will visit regularly.
Why this matters: Continuity of care helps build trust and ensures staff know your loved one's preferences.
Good answer: "We assign a primary nurse and team to each patient, though on-call staff may rotate for after-hours needs."
Why this matters: Effective symptom management is central to hospice care and quality of life.
What to listen for: Detailed explanation of pain assessment, medication management, and comfort measures beyond medications.
Why this matters: Medical issues don't only happen during business hours. You need reliable support any time.
Good answer: "Yes, 24/7 on-call support with registered nurses. Calls are answered by our hospice nurses, not an answering service."
Why this matters: Crisis situations require prompt response to manage symptoms and keep the patient comfortable at home.
What to look for: Most providers aim for 1-2 hours for urgent visits. Some offer on-site nurse within 1 hour.
Why this matters: Regular visits ensure symptoms are managed and families feel supported.
Typical frequency: 1-3 times per week for routine care, with additional visits as needed for symptom changes.
Why this matters: When symptoms can't be managed at home, you may need short-term inpatient care for crisis stabilization.
Options: Some have their own hospice house, others use contracted hospital beds or nursing home units.
Why this matters: Proximity matters if frequent visits are important. Family-friendly facilities allow overnight stays.
What to ask about: Visiting hours, overnight accommodations, parking, amenities for families.
Why this matters: Some conditions require specialized knowledge. Staff trained in specific conditions can provide better care.
Follow-up: "How many patients with this condition do you currently serve?" Look for specific numbers, not vague answers.
Why this matters: These services can significantly enhance quality of life and provide comfort beyond medical care.
Also ask: Are these services available to all patients, or only upon request? Is there an extra cost?
Why this matters: Veterans may have unique needs related to military service. Certified providers have specialized training.
Levels: Levels 1-5, with Level 5 being the highest. Levels 3+ generally have dedicated veteran coordinators and programs.
Why this matters: Caring for a dying loved one is emotionally and physically demanding. Good providers support the whole family.
Look for: Caregiver training, respite care, counseling, support groups, volunteer help.
Why this matters: Grief support is part of hospice care and continues after your loved one passes.
Standard: Medicare requires 13 months of bereavement support. Ask about support groups, counseling, and memorial services.
Why this matters: Spiritual support is important for many, but it should respect individual beliefs and preferences.
Good answer: "Yes, we have chaplains who support patients of all faiths and non-religious patients who want spiritual care."
Why this matters: Medicare covers most hospice services, but understanding any potential costs prevents surprises.
Medicare coverage: Covers nearly all hospice services. Patients may have small co-pays for medications ($5) and respite care.
Why this matters: Verify coverage before starting care to avoid billing issues.
Note: All Medicare-certified hospices accept Medicare. Most also accept Medicaid and private insurance.
Why this matters: Knowing what's included helps you plan and ensures no unexpected equipment rental fees.
Should be included: All medications related to hospice diagnosis, hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, etc.
Why this matters: Understanding their values helps ensure alignment with your family's priorities.
Listen for: Patient-centered care, dignity, comfort, quality of life, family involvement, holistic approach.
Why this matters: You have the right to change providers or leave hospice at any time. Understanding the process removes pressure.
Your rights: You can change providers with just a phone call. No penalties or waiting periods.
Why this matters: These are standardized quality metrics that allow you to compare providers objectively.
Where to find: Available on Medicare.gov and our provider comparison pages. Ask if they're proud of their scores!
Why this matters: Hearing from families who've used their services gives you real-world perspective.
Also check: Google reviews, online testimonials, and our verified review summaries for each provider.
Why this matters: Accreditations from Joint Commission, CHAP, or ACHC demonstrate commitment to quality standards.
Note: All hospices must be Medicare-certified. Additional accreditations are voluntary quality indicators.
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