Most communities are served by more than one hospice agency, and the specific services they offer may vary. Whether a hospice is a for profit or a non-profit is a very important consideration because it foretells the primary mission of the hospice. Non-profit hospices are supported by the community, are not expecting profits and can focus on your loved one, not investors and profit margins.

It is important to select a hospice that is licensed and certified to meet minimum standards of hospice practice. All Medicare certified hospice agencies are governed by federal regulations. In Michigan, hospice agencies are also licensed by the state.

We suggest that you call each hospice agency to evaluate their services and identify the most appropriate hospice for your needs.

Here is a checklist of questions you may want to ask each hospice care provider:

1. Are you a non-profit hospice?
2. Is hospice your primary business or is hospice an add-on to another business?
3. How long have you served our community?
4. Are you Medicare and Medicaid certified? Are you state certified?
5. What certifications do your Medical Directors have? (Medical directors should be Hospice and Palliative Care Board Certified)
6. What is your nurse to patient ratio? Social worker to patient ratio?
7. What kind of support is available to the family/caregiver?
8. What does the hospice volunteer do? How many are available in my area?
9. How do you work to keep the patient comfortable?
10. How are services provided after hours?
11. How and where do you provide short-term in-patient care?
12. Which nursing homes or assisted living facilities do you work with?
13. How long does it typically take you to admit someone once the request for services has been made?
14. When will the nurse make the first visit?
15. How often are grief support groups offered?
16. Are there programs and/or planned events within the hospice to help family members heal and grow?
17. Are you accredited by a national organization, such as CHAP or JCAHO?