What Should I look for in a Hospice Company

 

SilverStone In-Home Hospice Discusses What to Look for in a Quality Hospice Service

Dallas, United States - January 19, 2023 /SilverStone Hospice/

Finding a hospice service is not a task anyone wants to do, but it can ultimately result in much-needed support during a difficult time. “Hospice care is designed to support a patient nearing the end of life and their family. It is a highly specialized layer of care that supports the whole person and their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing,” explains Dallas in-home hospice care expert SilverStone Hospice. “Because of this, it is important to invest time in evaluating hospice care services and finding the right one to meet your needs.”

Do All Hospices Offer the Same Services?

Most hospices participate in Medicare which necessitates that they provide the services in accordance with Medicare regulations. These regulations set a rigorous standard of what a hospice agency must provide. Because of this, most hospice agencies provide the same basic services.

But, this does not mean all hospice care services are the same or that no other factors could make a difference in care.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Hospice Home Care?

When a physician recommends hospice care, a social worker, nurse, or other healthcare providers may provide a list of local hospice care providers as a resource to the patient. Hospice care providers can also be found through online searches, the department of health, national organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, or the National Association for Home Care and Hospice Care. When evaluating services, here are the top things to consider.

Certifications and State Licensure

The first thing to consider when choosing a Dallas in-home hospice care service is the agency’s qualifications. A reputable service will have state licensure and approval through Medicare and may be accredited or certified through other industry organizations.

Local Providers

Before choosing a hospice care provider, ask if the nurses and other providers are local to your home or where the services are needed. This is especially important for national providers who may have nurses covering a wide area of service. This can mean that the assigned provider may be a considerable distance away if you call with an emergency. A quality Dallas hospice should have local staff that can respond quickly to your needs.

The Number and Type of Services

The next thing to evaluate is the services offered by the Dallas hospice provider. Hospice care is multifaceted, so it is crucial to determine if the company provides the services you desire and if they can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the services to look for include:

• Physician oversight
• 24-hour on-call nurses
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Pain management and medication
• Regular in-home personal care and help with activities for daily living
• Certified nursing assistants
• Weekly nurse visits
• Respite service for caregiver support
• Crisis care
• Mental health support
• Bereavement Support
• Volunteer or companionship support
• Social Workers
• Chaplain or other religious or spiritual support

SilverStone Hospice | Hospice Care Dallas Texas

SilverStone Hospice is a team of Board-Certified Medical Directors, Doctors, nurses, health aides, spiritual advisors, and social workers who provide customized palliative and hospice care to those facing terminal illnesses. The Dallas hospice company is licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and certified to accept Medicare and Medicaid.

The highly-skilled and caring team has been serving DFW families for over a decade. It is honored to provide compassionate and customized healthcare and help clients navigate the challenges of a challenging time. For more information about Dallas in-home hospice care, call (214) 954-7285.