End of Life Planning Checklist for Finding Quality Hospice Care 3/11/2025 | By Kari Smith Consumers should vet any health care provider, from physicians to memory care facilities. By researching a hospice care practice before utilizing their services, an individual or family can help assure a positive experience while avoiding hospice fraud. Ideally, you will begin your research early, before services are needed. This can help ensure a more careful decision, unmarred by stress and feeling rushed. It’s also helpful to speak with other families who have used a hospice services to gain insight on their experience with the quality of the care in their situation. To ensure that a provider is trustworthy and provides services that will best support patients and the families, use the following checklist: Checklist for hospice care providers 1. Verify licenses and certifications State licensure: Check that the hospice care provider is licensed by the state in which they operate. This ensures that the provider meets the state’s regulatory standards for care. Medicare and Medicaid certification: If the patient is planning to use Medicare or Medicaid, confirm that the hospice is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Certification ensures that the hospice meets federal standards for quality of care. Accreditation: Look for accreditation from respected organizations such as The Joint Commission or Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP). These organizations evaluate hospice care providers to ensure they are upholding high-quality care standards. 2. Review quality and satisfaction ratings CMS Hospice Compare tool: The Hospice Compare tool on the CMS website allows patients and families to compare hospice providers based on quality metrics, patient satisfaction scores, and other performance indicators. This can help identify highly rated hospices in your area. Online reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews or ask the hospice provider for references from current or past patients and their families. Unbiased feedback from others can provide insight into the quality of care, customer service, and overall experience. 3. Ask about staff qualifications and training Professional staff: Ensure that the hospice employs qualified professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other care providers. Don’t be afraid to ask about their training, experience, and certifications. Specialized care: Ask if the hospice has experience or expertise in dealing with the specific needs of your condition. For example, if the patient has a particular illness (such as cancer, kidney disease, or dementia), it is helpful to know if the hospice specializes in that type of care. 4. Ask about the scope of services Care planning: A reputable hospice will offer individualized care plans based on the patient’s needs and wishes. Ask how the care plan is developed and how often it is reviewed and adjusted. Comprehensive care: Inquire about the range of services offered by the hospice, such as pain management, medical equipment, emotional and spiritual support, respite care, and 24/7 access to health care providers. Ask if there is a time limit on services. Fried shares that although Medicare only requires that hospice follow the family for 13 months under the bereavement benefit, some companies, like Kirva Hospice, offer bereavement care indefinitely. Non-reimbursable therapies: In some situations, there may be additional treatments, like music therapy or massage therapy, that are appropriate and helpful but not reimbursable. Many hospice providers refuse to offer under-reimbursed therapies, but some hospice providers, offer services regardless. Talk to your hospice provider to find out what therapies are covered. 5. Confirm communication and accessibility Open communication: Ask how the hospice communicates with patients and families. Reputable providers should offer clear and consistent communication about treatment options, goals of care, and patient progress. The staff should be easy to reach and responsive to questions and concerns. Availability: Ensure that the hospice offers 24/7 availability. End-of-life care often requires urgent attention, so it’s essential that care providers are accessible at all hours. 6. Evaluate the environment and facilities Comfortable and welcoming environment: If the hospice has a physical facility (such as an inpatient hospice or facility-based care), visit the location to evaluate its cleanliness, comfort, and atmosphere. In addition to being clean, the environment should be peaceful, homelike, and conducive to quality care. Home hospice care: If the care will be provided at home, ask about the resources available to caregivers, such as training and support. Make sure the hospice has procedures in place for managing care at home and coordinating with other health care providers. 7. Inquire about the cost of care Insurance coverage: Ask about payment options and ensure that the hospice accepts your insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. A reputable hospice will help explain what is covered and be transparent about out-of-pocket costs. No surprise bills: Clarify any potential additional costs not covered by insurance and ask about financial assistance if needed. Reputable hospices are transparent about costs and should not engage in deceptive billing practices. 8. Check for compliance with legal and ethical standards Avoiding fraudulent practices: Be aware of red flags such as unnecessary services, pushy sales tactics, or attempts to sign patients up for hospice care before it’s appropriate. A trustworthy hospice will not pressure families into enrolling and will ensure that care is needed based on medical criteria. Patient rights: Ask about the hospice’s policies regarding patient rights, including the right to choose care options, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to have family members involved in decisions. Ensure they respect and honor the patient’s dignity and choices. 9. Understand their approach to pain and symptom management Palliative care: Reputable hospices prioritize symptom management, including pain relief, nausea control, and emotional well-being. Ask how the hospice addresses pain management and what approaches they use to ensure comfort during the end-of-life journey. Holistic care: Inquire about the hospice’s approach to holistic care, including mental, emotional, and spiritual support. A good hospice will focus not only on physical care but also on providing counseling, spiritual guidance, and family support during this difficult time. As you check out a hospice care provider, listen to your instincts, especially if something doesn’t feel right in your research or interactions. Not only do you want to avoid hospice fraud, but your relationship with your loved one’s hospice provider should be built on trust and confidence. By following these steps, patients and families can make an informed decision and ensure they choose a reputable hospice care provider that will deliver compassionate, high-quality care during a vulnerable and challenging time. Don’t delay – Cheryl Fried, CEO of Kirva Hospice, tells me that the words she hears most often about hospice are, “I wish I would have known about it earlier.” Read More Kari Smith Kari Smith is a frequent contributor to Seniors Guide, helping to keep those in the senior industry informed and up-to-date. She's a Virginia native whose love of writing began as a songwriter recording her own music. In addition to teaching music and performing in the Richmond area, Kari also enjoys riding horses and farming.