What are some questions I should ask when looking for a hospice program?
Who qualifies for hospice care? How does hospice serve patients and
families?
How does hospice care work? The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient's
individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team usually consists of the following individuals:
Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before
hospice care begins? Must someone be with the patient at all times? What role do volunteers play in hospice care? Is care for the patient at home the only place care can be delivered? How does hospice manage pain? Is hospice care covered by insurance? If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expense to be paid? Does the hospice provide any help to the family after the patient
dies? Where can I find additional information about a hospice? What should I do first if I am having a problem with the care provided by the hospice? What should I do if I feel the hospice hasn't addressed my concerns adequately? Who will
investigate my complaint and what are their qualifications? Will my complaint be kept confidential? What happens after a complaint is made? Will I know the results of the
investigation? What are the possible outcomes of an investigation and what do they mean? It is not always possible to substantiate allegations due to the passage of time, lack of documentation, or lack of observation to support a finding of substantiation. This does not mean that the complaint was not true; it simply means we could not find enough evidence to substantiate it at the time of the investigation. Please be assured that we will continue to review all complaint issues when we visit the hospice agency in the future. What happens if deficiencies are found at a hospice? |