Choosing a hospice company is a very important decision. While hospice programs may have the same basic philosophy of care, each differs in some ways. Here is a list of questions to help you choose the hospice program that is best for you and your family.

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• What services does the hospice program provide?

• Will the program cover the cost of medications?

• How does your hospice program manage pain?

• How many times per week will a nurse and other hospice staff visit?

• How many hours of aide support can be expected each week?

• How many hours of support from volunteers can be expected each week?

• Who is the hospice physician? How will the hospice staff work with the physician?

• How are families involved in the patient's care?

• If this hospice program is chosen, how soon can the services be started?

• What does the hospice admissions process include? Can you admit on nights, weekend or holidays?

• How is the plan of care developed?

• How does the hospice staff, working with the patient and family members, honor the patient's wishes?

• What support does the hospice provide to the family if the patient dies?

• How many patients at one time are assigned to each hospice staff member who will be caring for the patient?

• Is this hospice program licensed and Medicare certified?

• How does this hospice program monitor its caregivers?

• Who can you call with questions and/or complaints? What is the process to resolve issues?

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Source: Indiana Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, Inc.

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