CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOSPICE

Because there are so many hospices to choose from, you want to be certain you choose the hospice that best meets your loved ones needs and provides the greatest quality care in all aspects. Although we know North Mississippi Hospice is the RIGHT CHOICE we want you to feel comfortable and assured you have made the right decision. Therefore, we have provided some important questions to consider if evaluating other hospices:

· The patient’s address is ____________. Does the hospice serve this area?

· How long has the hospice been in operation?

· Is the hospice certified by Medicare?

· Does the hospice accept Medicaid?

· What other insurance is accepted?

· Is the hospice licensed by the State?

· What services does the hospice provide?
- Phone calls to the family?
- Mailings on what to expect?
- Support groups?
What, if any, hospice services does the hospice not provide?

· Is participation in care by a family caregiver required for hospice enrollment?

· What is expected from the family caregiver?

· How can hospice supplement the family's responsibilities?

· To what degree are volunteer services available in the home?

· What, if any, out-of-pocket charges can we anticipate? For what services?

· How often does hospice staff make home visits? (E.g. once-a-day visits, every-other-day visits, or once-a-week visits? Note: This will change as the patient’s condition changes.)
Nurse ____________________
Social worker ______________
Home health Aide __________
Doctor ____________________
Volunteer _________________
Pastor or chaplain __________

· Who provides on-call coverage during nights and weekends?
The staff of the hospice?
Is a home health aide on duty 24 hours a day if needed? 12 hours a day?
Is on-call coverage contracted out to other persons?

· Does the hospice have contracts with local long-term-care facilities?
If so, which one(s)?

· Does the hospice provide funeral arrangement support?

· What bereavement services are provided?
Type: Individual ______
Group______
Duration of Sessions: ______
Extent of Support: month ______
6 months ______ year ______

Are bereavement services performed: In person? a) Individual sessions? b) Group sessions?