Choosing a hospice care agency is an important and deeply personal decision. Asking the right questions can help ensure the agency provides compassionate, high-quality, and appropriate care for your loved one.
Written by Alayna Monahan, RN & Care Expert
Here are some key considerations and questions to ask:
General Care & Services
- What professionals are on the hospice care team (e.g. doctor, social worker, chaplain)?
- How often will each team member visit my loved one?
- Can my loved one still see their primary care doctor?
- What services are available (e.g., pain management, emotional/spiritual support, respite care)?
- What levels of care does your hospice agency offer?
- What happens if my loved one improves and no longer qualifies for hospice?
Availability & Emergency Support
- Is someone available 24/7 for emergencies or questions?
- Will my loved one have the same nurses and care professionals?
- What is your response time if we call after hours or on weekends?
- What types of services are available after hours?
- Who do we contact with concerns about our loved one’s health or care?
Pain & Comfort Care Management
- How do you manage my loved one’s pain and other symptoms?
- Can my loved one continue with their current medications or treatments?
- How do I know if my loved one is taking too much medication?
- Do you offer palliative treatments that improve quality of life without prolonging suffering?
- What non-pharmacological options do you recommend to help my loved one?
In-Home Care and Support
- How much care will I have to provide?
- Will someone help with bathing, dressing, and daily activities if needed?
- Can we get equipment and supplies delivered (e.g., hospital bed, oxygen, adult depends)?
- What equipment does hospice provide to make it easier in caring for a loved one?
- How often will a care aid come to help my loved one with personal care?
- What types of treatments can be provided in the home?
Costs & Coverage
- What services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance?
- Are there any out-of-pocket costs we should be aware of?
- How long will my loved one be able to stay on hospice?
- Is facility hospice care covered by insurance?
- Do you help families with insurance paperwork and benefits?
Family Support and Communication
- What counseling or spiritual services are available for my loved one and our family?
- Do you offer bereavement support or grief counseling after my loved one passes?
- Can chaplain services be tailored to our specific religious or cultural background?
Transitions and End-of-Life
- How can your agency prepare my family for the end of life?
- What happens if my loved one’s pain and suffering cannot be controlled at home?
- How do I know when my loved one is nearing end of life?
- What happens after my loved one passes away?
Disclaimer: This tool is designed to support caregivers by providing guidance, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional recommendations from your loved one's treatment team.
Click here to download this checklist.