Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/917058
| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JANUARY 2018 | 17 Question: What should I know about Hospice Care? Choosing the right agency to provide hospice care for you or a loved one is a very personal decision. One that should not be taken lightly. You want to make sure you choose wisely and have the utmost confidence in the quality of care you or a loved one will receive. So remember that you have the right to choose which hospice you want no matter what anyone says, for example your physician, case manager, hospital or facility. You can interview hospice agencies and if you don't care for the one you chose, you have the right to switch to another hospice. Are all hospices the same? No. "Hospice" is a medical specialty like cardiology, geriatrics, oncology, etc. Each hospice provider is a different company. All hospices have the same general philosophy but their services may differ. Some hospices are for-profit, while others (like Arbor Hospice) are non-profit organizations. It is your right to request the hospice of your choice if more than one hospice serves your area. In Riverside County alone there are approximately 250 hospices marketing the area. They are coming from areas such as North Hollywood Hills, Cerritos, San Bernardino, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga and more. What can I do to make sure I choose the right agency? • Is the hospice agency a non-profit or a for profit agency? • Reach out to agencies and interview at least three. • Where is the main office for the hospice agency? Are they local? • Research agencies' on the Internet and review the agency's own website. • Ask how long the hospice agency has been providing care and are they Medicare certified? • Is the agency available to see you in a timely manner? • Will you have 24 hour 7 days a week access to a nurse should you need it? • Don't be afraid to pay a visit to the agency. Talk with some of the home care professionals there. It is your right to talk with the people who will be looking after you or your loved one. REMEMBER: It is your health. It is your home. It is always your choice. Hospice is about living. Arbor Hospice strives to bring quality of life and comfort to each patient and their family. Our successes are in helping a patient and family live fully until the end. Often patients will feel better with good pain and symptom management. Hospice is an experience of care and support, different from any other type of care. For any questions or a needs assessment visit please contact Jennifer Trebler Partridge at (951) 663-1060. Ask a Question