At Going Home Cremation, we work directly with hospice care centers. If you call us, we can let you know which care centers are in your vicinity. They are a wonderful organization and will help you during this time of need. If your love one is ready for hospice here are a few questions you will want to ask hospice providers:

Are staff nurses and doctors available 24 hours a day?

• You will need that emergency staffing, especially as your loved one enters the final days of life.

Is your medical director board certified?

• This is not a requirement, but the extra step of certification is another assurance of their training.

How many years has the organization been in operation?

• Many of US hospice programs trace their beginnings to the 1980’s.

How many patients does the hospice Care Center have?

• Smaller hospices may provide more personalized care, but those serving at least 65-100 patients have many more resources. Sometimes it is better to utilize one of the smaller care centers. It may be a little more intimate care and services

What is the caseload for your hospice Doctors or nurses?

• Ideally, nurses should manage no more than 10-12 patients at a time, since They do not see all patients daily. The nurses will also rotate and you may see different nurses weekly.

Can they meet your needs for a good care plan?

• Have an idea of what you and your loved one want and if that is within the scope of the hospice’s care, they will be able to help you.

What is expected in terms of help from the family?

• This is especially important if much of the previous caregiving has been with other family members and or long distance.

What are the options for inpatient care?

• Sometimes staying in a hospice facility is temporary and can be used to stabilize Seriously ill patients until they can return home.

Inquire as to what you can expect in the last few days.

• Often this is a very trying time for families and it is best if you get an idea of what you are in for So you can be prepared.

What are the protocols around COVID

• During Covid times you want to make sure if you’re hospice care center will take your love one in if they have Covid. If your care center will except a Covid patient then you will need to find out what the requirements are to visit. Many hospices do not take Covid patients.

Feel free to call and visit your hospice care center near you. Ask as many questions as you need. They are usually very wonderful and helpful to families. Call us at Going Home Cremation Services in Tierre Verde Florida to give you the phone numbers for hospices is near you.