5 Things to Help You Select the Best Hospice Center
Hospice care is what your loved one receives at the end of life. In many ways, it’s the most important care your loved one will receive since it will punctuate those final days. You need to research options for hospice care carefully so that you choose the right provider and give your loved one the best experience possible in those final days.
You will find a lot of options and a lot of information when you start your search for Phoenix hospice centers. Here are five things that can help you select the best hospice center for your loved one:
Ask for Opinions
Start your search by asking friends and family for any feedback they have about their experiences with hospice providers. A recommendation from someone you know should jump to the top of your list. You know that if someone is willing to recommend a place that they have had a great experience.
When you ask for opinions from the people you know, you also get the opportunity to ask questions and get specifics you wouldn’t from promotional literature or a website.
Take Notes during the Interview and Tour
You should visit each hospice center that you are considering, and you should interview providers and take a tour of the facility. You will be given a lot of information during the interview and tour, and it can be hard to remember everything. It can also be hard to remember the questions you want to ask in the moment.
You should bring a notebook to take notes during the interview and tour. Then you can review your notes to determine if you need to ask any follow-up questions or just to help you remember everything to better make a decision.
Determine Patient Services
Not all hospice providers offer the same services. You need to ask what patient services are offered so you can determine whether your loved one will get the care needed.
You should ask about whether the hospice center in Phoenix will provide the same type of treatment your loved one has been getting up to this point, whether inpatient care is offered, whether respite care is provided, whether support is offered on the nights and weekends, and so on. Don’t assume that the services you need will be offered. Always check the services offered, and if something is not clear, ask. Then make sure that what’s available is actually covered by your insurance.
Ask about Agency Qualifications
Your loved one needs qualified care. Any hospice center you are providing should have the proper qualifications. You need to ask about things like training, certification, credentials in hospice care, Medicare certification, and more. Check up on these qualifications, and make sure they are current.
Find Out about Family Support
Your family will also need support during your loved one’s final days. A good hospice provide will offer family support services such as respite for when you or other caregivers in your family need a rest. Good hospice providers will also connect families with volunteers who will help with other tasks, such as shopping for groceries or doing light household work.
The best hospice providers also recognize that your family will need support after your loved one has passed. Look for hospice providers that also offer bereavement services, including group therapy or individual counseling.
Finding the right Phoenix hospice provider will ensure that your loved one has the best quality of life in their final days. Take the time to research all your options and really get all the information you need to make the best choice. Start with recommendations from people you know, and then interview providers and tour facilities.
Americare Hospice and Palliative Care is a trusted hospice provider in Arizona. We offer care in the patient’s home, and we have a hospice center. We also offer care in the hospital or other clinical settings. In addition to providing patient care, we also offer family support, including grief counseling. We also offer spiritual counseling for patients and their families. We believe in supporting you through the whole process. Contact us in Arizona today to learn more about our services or to schedule an interview.
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1212 N. Spencer St., Suite #2
Mesa, Arizona 85203
Office: (480) 726-7773
Fax: (480) 726-7790
Email: info@americarehospice.org
