So what is hospice? It started in the early 1970s to help provide care for the sick, especially the terminally ill. At a hospice facility, caregivers combine compassion, comfort and dignified care for those with life-limiting illnesses 24/7. There are four primary levels of care: routine home care; continuous care (crisis care), general inpatient; and respite care. The average length of stay for a patient is about 19 days.
Over the last year, BBB recorded more than 240 inquiries locally about hospices. Nationally, there were almost 19,000 inquiries filed with BBB about this industry.
When researching hospice care, BBB offers these tips:
• Begin your search as early as possible. This will allow you time to make a decision and get your loved one the proper care.
• Get recommendations from friends, family and physicians. If they’re pleased with a hospice care provider, most likely you’ll be too.
• Visit several facilities. This will allow you to see how the staff interacts with patients.
• Find out where the hospice provider performs care, such as at home, at a nursing home, assisted living facility, standalone facility, etc.
• Make sure the facility is clean.
• Ask how long the hospice facility has been in operation. This will be an indication of a stable environment for your loved one.
• Inquire about who provides care at the facility and how your personal physician will work with the facility.
• Ask if hospice nurses are required to be certified in hospice care. Ask about the patient to caregiver ratio, as well as how staff is selected and screened.
• Ask about what kind of support is available to the family.
• Inquire about the family’s role in caregiving.
• Consider location from home and work.
• Inquire about costs and if there is assistance available. Are services covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
• Make sure the hospice is accredited, licensed and insured as appropriate, as well as meets local and state requirements.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your loved one’s safety, health and well-being is most important. Also, once your loved one is situated, call and visit the facility to see how he or she is doing and establish a good working relationship with staff.
You can always contact BBB for a list of BBB Accredited hospices and Business Reviews on ones you're considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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