Over the course of your everyday life, you never really stop and think about growing old and the needs that are associated with it. Perhaps you only think about such things when your parents begin to age and need assistance in day to day activities. This is where a quality hospice in Indiana can be of help.
A hospice is an institution, profit or non-profit, that offers specialist care to those suffering from a serious illness. While some people view hospice as a sad and gloomy place, it really is a place of compassion. Families and friends of patients receive all kinds of support and are always welcome.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you are considering hospice care for your loved one, especially if it’s your first time looking for one. Here are important questions that you should ask before committing to any hospice.
1. What services are available?
Since you are looking for quality care for your parents, the first thing that you must ask a hospice in Indiana is the type of services that they offer. You want to make sure that the hospice care provider is able to meet your loved one’s needs and accommodate requests that are unique to your patient.
For instance, you should check whether the hospice offers both inpatient and in-home services. If you opt for in-home services, you should ensure that a member of the care team is available to visit at least several times a week.
Depending on your loved one’s needs, it would also be a good idea to check whether the institution taps the services of a supplement team including a dietitian, a physical therapist, a pharmacist, and an occupational therapist.
2. How long has the hospice been serving patients?
An established hospice has, over the years, developed a systematic way of dealing with issues and concerns from patients and their families. It would benefit you to learn how long they have been working in your community.
Established hospices in your community are more likely to have created good connections with various stakeholders — be it medical professionals, spiritual leaders, and community heads. The longer the hospice has been in operation, the more likely that it is stable and reliable.
3. What accreditation and license does the hospice have?
It is not mandatory for hospices to be accredited with the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) or the Joint Commission Accreditation for Hospice Organizations (JCAHO), but it would definitely be a plus.
You should also ask whether a state or federal agency has surveyed the institution and what the results were. Reputable hospices also track their quality so do not hesitate to ask how they conduct their in-house quality check.
4. Would the patient be allowed to keep their own physician?
Most hospices allow this as there is wisdom in seeking the help of a patient’s doctor. For one, they know the patient’s history and illness in-depth and are in the best position to help develop a plan of care. In addition, they could also provide critical feedback when the care plan is in its implementation stage.
A majority of people dream of giving their parents the best possible care. A hospice is a great option for this. Make sure to ask these critical questions to tap the services of a quality institution.