In-Patient Hospice

How To Find The Right Provider For Your Family

Finding an in-patient hospice provider that fits your loved one’s needs and financial situation may be a daunting task. In-patient hospice providers may include skilled nursing homes, specialized hospitals, and in-patient hospice locations. These specialized centers offer an array of services that provide for increased comfort and advanced services in the final stages of life and are equipped to care for extenuating circumstances not related to the patient’s current condition.

As over 90% of hospice care is paid through Medicare and Medicaid, you’ll want to start the conversation with your loved one’s current hospice provider regarding which in-patient facilities it is affiliated with. This may also limit the offerings you may have in selecting an in-patient hospice.

Your loved one may need in-patient care during the course of their time with hospice. Once a patient is admitted into an in-patient hospice facility, specialists work hard to enable the patient to return home as quickly as possible. In-patient hospices may include for-profit and non-profit organizations. Although the financial burden is a major factor in determining the length of stay at an in-patient facility, each in-patient facility is committed to treating the patient regardless of ability to pay.

Some patients prefer to stay longer than Medicare benefits allow for. In these events, you may wish to speak with the director of the in-patient hospice to determine further arrangements and financial considerations.

Select an in-patient hospice that has up-to-date certifications. Do the patients appear taken care of even in their dire physical and mental conditions? Are the living spaces clean and in good condition? What types of rooms are available? How are extreme emergency situations handled? How is the primary caretaker notified of any changes in health? Do they have access to your loved one’s advance directive?

Many in-patient hospices offer a home-like environment to help the patient feel more comfortable. Some rooms may have better lighting than others, while other rooms may have a better outside window view. The goal is to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible with dignity and quality care.

Additionally, as the primary caregiver, you are given up to five days of respite care through Medicare which allows your loved one to stay at an in-patient facility while you recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Using these days to take care of yourself and your family members will enable you to get a clear focus on the remaining journey ahead and follow up with any loose ends that need to be resolved. Ensure that an advance directive is in place so that care can be provided automatically.

Lastly, seek out reviews of in-patient hospice providers. A good review for hospice in-patient care cannot be understated. With over 3,700 hospices around the country and growing, it is important to find a well-qualified in-patient hospice that provides a nurturing, loving environment.

Speak with friends in similar circumstances. Find out what they liked about specific in-patient hospices. Did they have any other options to choose from? Why did they select that particular in-patient facility? Once you begin to weigh the options against what is available to you and your loved one, you’ll be able to identify which hospice in-patient facility is best suited for your loved one’s particular needs.

SeniorAdvisor.com Staff

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.