How to choose a good hospice in home care?

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maccupiccu
maccupiccu Member Posts: 67

I know this is for those going through it and there are resources/associations that give a basic overview of what is a good hospice but how does one really know? Oncologist gave the directive for my mom and I have to start calling tomorrow. I've read reviews of these places and I see so many conflicting stories I dont' know what to go with.

Non profit vs profit

How do you know you have a good nurse (the horror stories of lack of care is just sad)

What to look for in care

When the near is close does one HAVE TO go to an in patient facility? I was reading some reviews that said their team was pushing it. That's the problem. Where my parents live is a craphole. I don't want them to go anywhere close. Everywhere else is about 1/2 hour away from them or not their hospital. My dad is totally pointless in this and I'm being put in charge.

How do I know I'm making the right choice?

Comments

  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited April 2012

    Its a lot like skilled nursing  The basics are:

    profit versus non-profit, well for profit is for profit so more temptation to cut corners if that makes sense. All the places I have considered and dealt with are not for profit.

    In either case, check licensing in your state.  That will often come up if you simply google the entities name.  Don't be automatically freaked out by a poor review if it only comes from one person--the last skilled nursing place my mother was at had someone post a nasty review but it was very clear when we visited that the person had a bee in their bonnet.

    check the name with your local Better Business Bureau.

    go in person--does it smell funny---if the place reaks of urine or individuals this may mean people are not getting toilet assistance.  That sort of thing can very quickly lead to bed sores.

    Is the staff communicating directly with residents or talking to each other as though no one is there.

    Once your mom is in the facility, vary the timing of your visits at different times.  don't visit at the same time each day and even say loudly you are coming at X time but show up at X minus 3 or whathave you.  Its the patients that have no regular visitors, that seem abandoned that are the most vulnerable.

    many hugs on this difficult journey.

  • Kaara
    Kaara Member Posts: 3,647
    edited April 2012

    I'm happy to hear that your Mom is going to get the benefit of hospice.  I think it will be much better for her at this time and in her stage of bc.

  • 33skidoo
    33skidoo Member Posts: 1,029
    edited April 2012

    In my area hospice is mostly in-home with visiting nurses.  In-patient facilities are generally used only for respite care.

  • justjudie
    justjudie Member Posts: 3,397
    edited April 2012

    My experience with hospice. (in laws) was in home. Both times it was a great experience. I think they were for profit but not totally sure. The care was wonderful.





    Judie

  • vivirasselena
    vivirasselena Member Posts: 278
    edited June 2012

    I am one of the few who had a HORRIBLE hospice experience......lost my baby brother to a brain tumor, October 2010. The hospice care was so inadequate and unprofessional.

    I would go with non-profit......and someone who has a Master's Degree or above in counseling psychology (not a social worker).  Family issues may arise that you never saw coming.

    interview...and ask for a list of references to contact.  then contact them.  read their reviews online.  call the hospice regulatory board in your state to see if they've had any complaints filed against them.

     then trust your instincts.

    i hope you find THE perfect care your beloved deserves.

    michele 

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