What to Look for in a Hospice Care Center
Hospice care can make a real difference in the quality of the last days of a loved one’s life. If you choose the wrong hospice care provider, your family and your loved one could have a worse experience in those final days. That’s why it’s so important for you to research your options and choose the right hospice care provider. You can enjoy the time you have left with your loved one, and your loved one can live out those final days in as much peace as possible.
You should ask for hospice care referrals from people you know and trust, and you should look at online reviews of care providers to see what former clients have to say. You should also look for these qualities in any hospice care center you are considering:
Location
Most hospice care providers do not care for patients in their own facility. Instead, the providers go to the patient’s home or to the hospital. In some cases, you may find a provider that offers an in-patient facility.
When you talk to potential hospice care providers, ask where their nurses and other providers are located. Many of these people are on-call since they do not work out of a central facility. If the on-call providers are an hour away, your loved one may go a long time while waiting for care if there is an emergency or urgent need. You should look for hospice care providers who are closer to home.
Provider Types
Hospice providers near Mesa can vary greatly. The staff can range from minimally trained nursing assistants to highly experienced doctors and specialists. You should find a Mesa hospice care center that offers the skilled providers that your loved one needs. Therefore, if your loved one needs medication management, wound cleaning, or other specialized tasks, you will need to find a center that offers specially trained providers. Look for centers who hire licensed and certified providers where appropriate.
Pharmacy Relationship
Chances are that your loved one will need medication during hospice care. At a minimum, most patients need pain medication or something to help with nausea. You don’t want to have to wait for medication if you run out, so it’s a good idea to look for a hospice provider that has a good relationship with a local pharmacy. You want someone who can send a prescription easily and have it refilled and picked up quickly.
Types of Care
Some hospice providers offer only basic care, such as changing bed sheets or helping the patient eat. Others offer more intensive care, such as body massage, spiritual counseling, or family counseling. You should find out what types of care are offered by the hospice provider so you know that you are getting everything you need. Your family will need all the support it can get in such a trying time.
Ownership
Last, you will want to consider whether a hospice care provider is a private or non-profit company. The answer won’t necessarily change the type of care being offered. However, it could change what you end up paying for that care. For-profit companies may cost a lot more, and they may not take as many types of insurance, including Medicare. Make sure you find out what type of company the hospice care center is and what kind of insurance they take or financial support they offer.
Choosing the right hospice care provider will make a big difference to your ailing loved one and to the rest of your family. Make sure you think carefully about what you will need in a provider and then ask these and other questions to ensure you are making the right choice.
Americare Hospice and Palliative Care is a top-rated hospice provider in Arizona. We have in-patient facilities, or we can provide care in the Phoenix Valley Area and throughout the state. Our compassionate care providers take a comprehensive approach to hospice care, providing support for the entire family. We also offer spiritual and grief counseling, financial advice, and more. Our goal is to help your loved one die with dignity and to help your family through those final days. Call us today to learn more or to schedule a time to meet with a hospice provider.
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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
