Choosing a hospice provider is one of the most important healthcare decisions a family can make. The right provider supports your loved one’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life — and supports your family through a difficult time.

You always have the right to choose your hospice provider — this is called Patient Choice. You don’t have to take the hospice your doctor, hospital, or facility first suggests.

This guide will help you ask the right questions and compare providers with confidence. Examples of how Unity Hospice & Palliative Care approaches these questions are included throughout.

1. What services are included in hospice care?

Hospice care should support the whole person – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Look for hospice care that includes:

• Pain and symptom control
• Nursing visits and on-call support
• Help with bathing and personal care (like bathing or dressing)
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Support for family caregivers
• Bereavement care after a loss

How Unity Helps:
Unity Hospice and Palliative Care provides nursing, social work, spiritual support, volunteer support, pain and symptom management, and care coordination tailored to each person’s individual needs. Unity’s team works together to bring comfort and dignity during serious illness.

2. Is a nurse available 24/7?

Serious symptoms and questions do not wait for business hours. Ask how you can reach help at night, on weekends, or during holidays.

How Unity Helps:
Unity offers 24/7 on-call nurse support so families can speak with a clinician anytime for questions or when symptoms change.

3. How quickly can hospice care begin?

Many families need help right away. Ask how soon care can start after a referral.

How Unity Helps:
Unity offers timely admissions and support so care can begin quickly, helping families start comfort care without delay.

4. Where is care provided?

Hospice care should be given where your loved one feels most comfortable. Ask if care is available at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home.

How Unity Helps:
Unity delivers hospice care wherever your loved one calls home – whether that’s a private residence, assisted living community, or skilled nursing facility. Unity serves multiple regions including Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, Greater St. Louis, Southern Wisconsin, and Greater Houston.

5. Who will be part of the care team and how often will they visit?

Hospice care works best when a full team is involved. Ask who will visit and how often.

How Unity Helps:
Unity’s Care Team includes nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. The team meets regularly to make sure care matches the patient’s changing needs.

6. How are family caregivers supported?

Family members often provide much of the day-to-day care. Ask what training and support are offered for caregivers.

How Unity Helps:
 Unity provides education and support for caregivers. We help families feel prepared and less overwhelmed. Emotional support is available for families throughout the hospice journey.

7. What costs are covered by medical insurance?

Hospice care is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Ask what is covered and if there are any out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about Medicare hospice benefits: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care.

How Unity Helps:
Unity works with Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Unity staff help families understand medical insurance coverage, including medications and equipment related to hospice care.

8. What equipment and supplies are provided?

Hospice care often includes medical equipment, medications, and supplies to help keep your loved one comfortable. Ask what is included and if home delivery is provided.

How Unity Helps:
Unity provides medical equipment, supplies, and medications related to hospice care and delivers them when needed. This helps families focus on comfort, not logistics.

9. What support is available after a loved one passes?

Bereavement support is an important part of hospice care. Ask what support is available for families after a loved one dies.

How Unity Helps:
Unity provides ongoing grief and bereavement support for families following a loss, helping with emotional support during difficult transitions.

Bonus Tips for Choosing a Hospice Provider

Ask about special programs

Some hospices offer things like music therapy, life enrichment programs, telehealth support, or special education for families. These extras can make care more meaningful.

Check their experience

Find out how long the hospice has been serving patients and how many families they have helped. Experience often means better care and smoother communication.

Talk to other families

If possible, read reviews or ask other families about their experience with the hospice provider.

Trust your instincts

 As you ask questions, notice how the hospice team makes you feel. You should feel heard, respected, and never rushed.

Choosing hospice is about comfort, respect, and quality of life. The right hospice provider will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you want to learn more or speak with someone, Unity Hospice & Palliative Care is here to help:
https://www.unityhospice.com/contact-us/