When recommending hospice to a patient in Virginia Beach, medical professionals typically share a list of local hospice care providers. Families can then check out the agencies and select the one they prefer.
Having the power to choose is beneficial, but deciding who should provide hospice services to a loved one may not be an easy task. All Medicare-certified agencies are obligated to offer the same fundamental services – and since most hospice care providers in the area adhere to Medicare criteria, that doesn’t help much in cutting down the options.
So, how do you decide which is the best Virginia Beach hospice agency to care for your loved one? Here, the Suncrest team explains what to consider.
What to Look For in a Hospice Care Provider
While the same basic services are made available by most Virginia Beach hospice agencies, this doesn’t mean all care providers are equally qualified. As you look into the local organizations, confirm the following:
Does the hospice agency meet the standards for Medicare certification?
Most medical professionals who attend to the terminally ill are aware that patients enrolled in Medicare can only receive hospice services from a Medicare-certified agency. That being so, the local organizations on the list you were given have no doubt earned this credential – but to avoid any potential headaches down the line, confirm this at the start.
Does the hospice agency have a license to operate in the state of Virginia?
In order to provide hospice care in Virginia Beach, an organization must have a license to do so. Licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Health, and agencies are required to renew their license every year. It’s unlikely that any of the names on your list lack a current license, but again, it’s a good idea to verify this information.
Does the hospice agency have accreditation from a nationally recognized authority?
In the realm of hospice care, the primary accrediting bodies are the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). With a local agency that has these accreditations – like Suncrest – your loved one will be in good hands.
Comparing Virginia Beach Hospice Care Providers
As you have the choice of where to turn for hospice care for your loved one, taking the time to speak with a representative from each agency you’re considering is a good idea. After getting answers to key questions, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Here’s what to ask when you reach out to a Virginia Beach hospice care provider:
- How long have you been in operation?
- How do you vet, train and supervise the staff?
- Are your employees invested in ongoing education?
- What is expected of family caregivers?
- How often will hospice professionals visit?
- What is the process if a patient has an issue or concern?
- Do you have a 24-hour nurse triage hotline for emergencies?
- Which hospitals or nursing homes provide in-patient care when needed?
- How have the families you’ve worked with rated your services?
Depending on your loved one’s situation, you may want to raise certain additional topics when considering a prospective Virginia Beach hospice care provider. Any of these could be important:
- If your loved one is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, finding an agency that welcomes such patients and understands their unique needs is crucial.
- If your loved one doesn’t speak English, you’ll need to choose a hospice agency that can make accommodations to ensure effective communication.
- If your loved one is interested in special services like massage, art, pet or music therapy, look for a local agency that provides those particular services.
- If your loved one has a developmental or intellectual disability, confirm that the staff at the hospice agency you select is prepared to provide optimal care.
- If your loved one lives with others who have special needs, selecting an agency prepared to handle the potential effects on the household is paramount.
In addition, before you make a commitment to a Virginia Beach hospice care provider, consider their reputation. If any friends, relatives or other trusted individuals have worked with the agency, their opinions can be invaluable. If not, testimonials and third-party reviews can give you insight into how the hospice agency operates.
Working With Your Chosen Hospice Care Provider
Once you have found the best hospice agency to care for your loved one, you can ask their physician to make a referral to that organization. Or, you can simply call the hospice care provider and request services – they can make all of the necessary arrangements.
After that, you can expect a registered nurse or hospice social worker to visit your loved one’s home to assess their needs and discuss the available services. Using that information, a customized care plan will be created and services will begin. Should any issues arise or any needs change, however, the plan can always be updated.
Are you looking for a highly rated hospice agency in Virginia Beach? Suncrest has the right credentials, and you can count on us to be there for your family. For a free consultation to discuss hospice care for a loved one, contact us today.
