Making the decision to utilize hospice services for yourself or a loved one is never easy. It can be emotionally and physically draining as you try to navigate through all of the options available.
Knowing where to even begin your search for the right hospice can be daunting, especially because the need usually comes at a time when all involved are under a significant amount of stress. Fortunately, there are resources to help you find a hospice near you that meets your needs and provides the quality care that you or your loved one deserve.
The article, Your Guide to Choosing a Hospice Care Provider, provides detailed suggestions for finding the right hospice for your situation, but below are some initial steps that you can take.
Research Local Hospices Online
The internet is an invaluable resource when it comes to researching hospices in your area. You can start by searching Google for “hospice near me” or “hospices in [insert city/state here].”
This will bring up several options from which you can choose. When researching online, make sure to read reviews of each hospice and read up on their services so that you have an idea of what kind of care they provide and what people are saying about them.
There are two caveats to consider when searching for a hospice online: 1) search engines use algorithms to determine which websites appear near the top of search results, and 2) search results also include paid ads at the top of the results. A high ranking in search results is not a guarantee that the hospice provider is top-notch; rather, it simply indicates that the search engine believes the website might have the answer to your search query. In short, don’t use a high ranking on Google as the sole indicator of a hospice’s capabilities.
Talk To Your Doctor About Hospice Options
In many cases, the patient’s physician will make the recommendation to consider hospice care. However, even some medical professionals are less familiar with hospice or may be reluctant to bring up the subject, so you may need to initiate the conversation with your doctor about hospice.
If they are familiar with hospice, your doctor will likely have recommendations for local options based on their own experience working with them. They may also be able to provide insight into the quality of care provided by various providers and how they handle situations that may arise during your time working with them. Additionally, they may know of any special offerings or discounts available that could help reduce costs associated with using hospice services.
Reach Out To Hospice Organizations
There are a number of different organizations that provide resources and information related to hospice care. Some of the more popular ones include:
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
- Hospice Association of America
- Hospice Foundation of America
- Hospice Community Connections
Hospice organizations can provide a wealth of information about end-of-life care in general, and some also have directories of local hospice practitioners.
Choosing The Right Hospice
Choosing the right hospice is an important decision when considering end-of-life care options for yourself or a loved one. While it may seem overwhelming at first, you should understand that resources are available, and that there are places to turn for help.
If you are seeking a hospice in Las Vegas, NV, we would be happy to assist you by answering any questions you have and directing you to the appropriate resources. Our caring, compassionate hospice team is here to help you during the challenging times.
Contact us today.
