How to Choose the Hospice Agency that’s Right for You

Choosing the right hospice care provider in Los Angeles can be both emotionally draining and stressful for you and your family. There are so many hospices available and each one offers similar services. How do you know if the hospice facility you choose is the right one?

While the decision ultimately falls to you and your family, it is our hope that this guide to choosing the best hospice agency will help you understand what to look for when evaluating hospice providers so that you can make a choice with confidence.

Is the Hospice Agency Large or Small?

Hospices can be large, small or anything in between, and oftentimes hospice agencies cover large regional areas. There are several national companies that specialize in hospice care who care for thousands of patients as well as smaller organizations and agencies that have a few dozen patients to care for at any one time. There are pros and cons to both large and small hospice centers, however, generally smaller Los Angeles hospice agencies can provide a more personalized approach to care.

What Certifications does the Hospice Facility Have?

You want to be certain that any hospice care provider you choose is well-qualified. That means being accredited through organizations that specialize in gauging a hospice’s quality and standard of care, as well as how it measures up to pre-set standards. For example, the Community Health Accreditation Program and the Joint Commission are just a few of the quality accreditation organizations you’ll want to look for. Although don’t discount an agency just because they aren’t accredited — it’s possible that they haven’t sought accreditation yet.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Friends and Family

Your friends, family and colleagues can be an invaluable source of help in finding the hospice care that’s right for you. It might feel a little awkward to ask about their recommended end-of-life care, but chances are, someone you know has gone through this exact thing and can help you choose a great hospice agency to work with.

Meeting with Hospice Care Providers: What to Expect

It’s a good idea before deciding which hospice agency you want to go with, that you sit down and get to know the staff and the professionals before you choose. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared (more on that below). How do you feel about the staff? How well do they answer your questions and how comfortable do you feel? If you feel welcomed and the staff is friendly, trustworthy and professional, you’re in a good place. If you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.

Comparing Hospice Agencies

Once you meet with some different hospice agencies and learn about each one and the kinds of care they offer, it’s a good idea to collect your thoughts and reflect on what you’ve learned. It’s understandable that this can be an overwhelming time full of uncertainty, but it’s recommended that you set aside time after meeting with each agency to reflect and compare. Make a list of the pros and cons if you think you’ll forget and need a handy way to refer back to which agency offers what.

What Kinds of Questions Should You Ask Hospice Providers?

Make up a list of relevant questions to ask each hospice facility, for example:

• Do you accept all insurances?
• Is this hospice care Medical or Medicare approved?
• How long have you been providing care in the area?
• Are you available after normal business hours?
• Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
• Will my loved one have the same doctor/nurse or team at all times?
• Are there any limits to the type of treatment currently being received?
• What other services do you offer beyond the required treatments?

Every hospice service is different, so be sure to ask any relevant questions you feel are pertinent to the care of your loved one!

Checking Reviews and Ratings Online and Through Yelp

Don’t forget that the Internet and the official Yelp web directory can prove invaluable in helping to provide you with hospice agency reviews. Simply type in the name of the agency you’re considering, or go to Google and type in Hospices in (City) to see star ratings and reviews from other users.

As you can see, choosing a hospice facility is never an easy decision, but with the right guidance and the right team on your side, the process is much easier. By following these steps and asking the right questions, you’ll be one step closer to finding a hospice center you can trust, with a staff that’s ready to help you at a moment’s notice.