Dispelling Hospice Myths: All Hospice Care Is the Same

You may think of hospice care as all being the same, having to follow the same rules. While basic services and documentation are required to partner with Medicare benefits, hospice is not the same across the board.

Differences Between Hospice Service Companies

When you are shopping around for a hospice service, learn about the companies to see which ones will fit your needs. Here are some ways that hospice care agencies might differ from one another:

• Business Structure: Regardless of their business structure, hospice providers are committed to their mission to provide high quality end-of-life services for every patient. The profit (or non-profit) status of a provider doesn’t matter as much as the level of care provided. So, rather than looking at whether the provider is for-profit or non-profit, it’s better to focus on the care provided, the structure of the organization, and any special programs that your loved one can benefit from.
• Local or Franchised: Most families want a more personalized approach for their loved ones, which is why it makes sense to choose a local company instead of a larger franchised provider. With smaller companies, families have the chance to build real relationships with hospice team members. These local services have more flexibility to offer personalized support, based on the unique needs of each patient. Plus, you always have a direct line of contact with your loved one’s providers (instead of needing to work through a corporate office).
• Connected to a Hospital or Independent: Sometimes hospice services have a contract with a hospital where they bring in their nurses and doctors to tend to patients. Other companies send in-home nurses and doctors when patients want to be home during their final days. In addition, one company can have an independent side and a hospital contract.

Choosing the right hospice care service is a very important decision. Take the time to interview the employees and learn about daily practices, including how the staff will interact with the patients.

Visit us online or call today to learn more about the compassionate hospice care services provided by Bonita Springs Healthcare Services.