How to Choose the Right Hospice

When it’s time to find hospice care, it can be hard to know where to start. There may be several agencies in your area, and each one may offer slightly different services. Asking the right questions can help you choose a hospice that feels like the right fit for you and your family.

The National Alliance for Care at Home recommends asking the following questions to guide your search: 

Is the hospice Medicare certified?

Most hospices are certified by Medicare, which means they follow specific rules and regulations. This matters if you plan to receive hospice care through Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Has the hospice been surveyed by a state or federal oversight agency in the last five years?

Ask when the most recent survey took place, whether any deficiencies were found, and if they’ve been resolved.

Is the hospice an NHPCO member, and does it meet NHPCO’s Standards for Hospice Programs?

Find out if the hospice is an NHPCO member, whether it follows NHPCO standards, and when it last completed the Standards Self-Assessment.

Does the hospice collect feedback from families?

Many hospices ask families to complete short evaluations after a loved one’s death. Ask to see the most recent scores to get a sense of how others have rated their care.

Does the hospice have a care facility or residence?

Some hospices operate their own facilities or have arrangements with hospitals or nursing homes. This can be important if care needs become more complex or family members can’t provide care at home.

Are clinical staff certified in hospice or palliative care?

Ask if the hospice physicians, nurses and social workers hold credentials that reflect specialized training in hospice or palliative care. 

What services do volunteers provide, and how quickly are they available?

Volunteers often help with light chores, errands and companionship. If you’d like volunteer support, ask how long it takes to be matched and how the hospice pairs volunteers with families.

Will someone come to the home during a crisis — day or night?

Most hospices have staff on call 24/7, but not all can send someone out after hours. Ask who’s available for in-home visits — nurses, doctors, social workers or chaplains — and when.

Does the hospice work with certain hospitals or nursing homes?

If you have a preferred facility, check whether the hospice can continue to provide services there if you need inpatient care.

What extra services does the hospice offer?

All hospices provide core services like medical care, emotional and spiritual support, medications and grief resources. Some go beyond that with specialized programs — for children, for people with specific conditions or for those who aren’t yet ready for hospice care.

How long has the hospice served the community?

Experience matters. A hospice that’s been active in your area for many years may offer added stability and familiarity with local resources.

How many patients does each staff member care for?

Ask about patient-to-staff ratios to understand how much time and attention each patient receives.

How are volunteers screened and trained?

 All hospice volunteers go through training, but programs vary. Some include special preparation for bereavement, pediatric care or nursing home support.

How quickly can the hospice start services?

Some hospices can begin admissions at night or on weekends. If time is critical, this flexibility could make a big difference.

What is the hospice organization's governance structure?

It may help to know if the organization is nonprofit, for-profit, government-run, faith-based or part of a larger health system, like Sutter Care at Home.

Is the hospice a We Honor Veterans partner?

We Honor Veteransrecognizes hospices that go the extra mile to care for veterans and their families.

Choosing hospice care is a deeply personal decision. The right hospice will listen, explain things clearly and support your loved one and your family with compassion. Take your time, ask questions and choose the agency that feels like the best partner for your journey.