Questions to Ask Hospice Providers

What to ask before choosing a hospice care provider

When you begin to consider hospice care for yourself or a loved one, it can be an emotionally challenging and overwhelming experience. Making the right decision about which hospice provider to choose can impact the quality of care you or your loved one receive. To help you navigate this important decision, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions to ask hospice providers. They are designed to empower you to assess whether a hospice provider aligns with your specific needs and preferences. By asking the key questions listed below, you can make an informed decision and ensure your loved one receives the compassionate care they deserve. 

Here is a list of questions to ask a hospice provider

1. Does the hospice provider accept insurance?

Learning insurance and payment options can be a good first step in understanding if the hospice provider is a good fit for you. Hospice is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and almost all private insurance policies.

2. How long has the hospice provider been in business?

This question can help you gain an understanding of the experience and knowledge base the hospice provider has established. 

3. What hospice services and support services are provided?

Knowing what services are available can help you gain a better understanding of whether or not the hospice provider is equipped to fulfill your unique needs. 

4. Will my hospice care team be available after business hours? Nights? Weekends? Holidays?

It is a good idea to ask about the availability and response time of the hospice staff in the case of an emergency. At Knute Nelson Hospice there is an RN on-call 24/7. This might be a good time to ask about visit frequency as well.

5. How will the hospice team manage my loved one's pain and symptoms?

Having an idea about the pain and symptom management strategies the hospice team recommends can help you determine whether their care plan will align with your needs and goals. 

6. How does the hospice care team support family members?

It is important to know that your family will be supported throughout the hospice journey. Knowing in what ways you can expect support will be helpful and enable you to utilize the resources available to you. 

7. How will I communicate with my hospice care team?

Knowing how to reach your hospice care team will be important when questions or concerns arise outside of scheduled visits. 

8. What are my options if care at home is becoming difficult?

If it becomes difficult to care for your loved one at home, it is important to understand what other options are available. This might include inpatient care options or respite care. 

9. What grief or bereavement resources are available to the family?

Support beyond initial care is an important aspect of hospice care. Be sure to ask what bereavement resources or options are available to families following their loved one's passing. 

10. What are others saying about the hospice provider?

You can ask the hospice provider if they have recent testimonials of patient or family experiences. You can also ask your family, friends, or community members who have received hospice care from that provider about their experience. 

Begin your search for care with Knute Nelson Hospice

At Knute Nelson Hospice, we understand the sensitivity and difficulty around the decision to choose hospice care. We are here to answer all of the above questions and walk with you through every step of your care journey. If you are unsure whether it is time to consider hospice care, take our free online assessment to learn more about your or a loved one's care needs and determine whether hospice is the right fit. From there you can read our hospice FAQ section to have some of your initial hospice questions answered or you can contact our team at 1 (855) 938-4081 to have additional questions answered. 

Last updated November 7th, 2023