Patients and families have a choice in hospice care but not every hospice is the same. Ask friends and family about their hospice experience.

Additionally, you may wish to consider the following:

• How attentive is the hospice?
• Will they provide an informational visit prior to admission to hospice care?
• Can they admit you promptly?
• How many years has the hospice been serving the community? Is the agency a non-profi t or for profi t provider? Does the agency provide charitable care?
• Are there volunteers to meet your needs?
• How many registered nurses are on staff?
• Are homemaker services available?
• Will a Masters prepared Social Worker and Chaplain be assigned to your care?
• Are any therapies available?
• What number of staff has Hospice and Palliative Care certifi cation?
• Are inpatient services available?
• Where is respite care provided?
• How frequently would you expect staff to visit your home?
• Is the agency licensed to provide Home Health services?
• What bereavement services are available?