What Are Key Considerations When Selecting a Hospice Care Team?

Choosing hospice care for yourself or a loved one can be one of life’s most important decisions. The hospice care team you select will directly impact comfort, dignity and quality of life during this precious time. At Shiloh Hospice, we understand the importance of finding compassionate professionals who align with your values and needs. We’re here to help you determine what to look for as you embark on this journey.

When evaluating hospice providers, consider these essential aspects:

• Team composition — Who provides your care
• Service offerings — What support you’ll receive
• Quality indicators — How to recognize exceptional care

Let’s explore each of these areas to help you make an informed choice.

Who Makes Up a Quality Hospice Care Team?

A comprehensive hospice team brings together various professional staff members, each contributing unique expertise to support patients and their families.

Core Medical Professionals

• Physicians lead the medical team, developing personalized care plans and overseeing symptom management.
• Registered nurses serve as primary caregivers, monitoring patient comfort and educating families about care techniques.
• Medical social workers are valuable advocates with training in healthcare and counseling. They provide emotional support, connect families with community resources and help navigate insurance questions.

Support Specialists

• Hospice aides assist with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing and light housekeeping, helping maintain dignity while reducing caregiver burden.
• Chaplains offer spiritual guidance respecting different faith traditions and personal beliefs.
• Grief counselors support both patients and families throughout the hospice journey and beyond.
• Trained volunteers provide companionship and assistance with practical needs.

Essential Services Your Hospice Team Should Provide

Quality hospice care extends far beyond medical treatment, addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs comprehensively.

Medical Care and Symptom Management

Your team should provide physician-directed medical services focused on comfort rather than cure. This includes:

• Pain and symptom control medications
• Medical equipment like oxygen, wheelchairs or hospital beds
• Nursing visits to monitor condition and adjust care
• 24/7 on-call support for urgent needs

Family Support Services

Hospice care recognizes that families need support, too. Look for providers offering:

• Patient and family education about the dying process
• Respite care to give caregivers necessary breaks
• Grief and bereavement counseling extending beyond patient death
• Assistance with advance directives and care planning

Specialized Therapies

Depending on patient needs, quality hospice providers may also offer:

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Dietary counseling and nutrition support
• Complementary therapies such as music or massage therapy

These services should all contribute to creating a dignified, comfortable hospice experience.

Recognizing Signs of Exceptional Hospice Care

Outstanding hospice teams often demonstrate specific qualities that set them apart from other providers.

Compassionate Communication

Exceptional teams listen actively and with empathy to patient and family concerns. They explain medical conditions clearly without overwhelming families with jargon.

Personalized Care Approach

Quality hospice providers develop individualized care plans reflecting patient values, preferences and goals. They adapt services as needs change and involve families in decision-making processes.

Prompt Response and Accessibility

Great hospice teams respond quickly to calls, especially during crises. They provide clear guidelines about when to contact them and ensure someone knowledgeable is always available.

Comprehensive Coordination

Excellent hospice providers coordinate seamlessly with existing healthcare teams, specialists and facilities. They communicate regularly with all parties involved in patient care.

Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

Quality teams honor diverse backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and family traditions. They provide interpreters when needed and adapt care practices to respect cultural preferences.

Questions to Ask Potential Hospice Providers

Before making your decision, consider scheduling meetings with prospective hospice teams to find answers to important concerns. Some questions to get you started include:

• How quickly will you develop our care plan, and will we receive a copy?
• Do you provide training for family caregivers?
• How often will team members visit, and how long do visits typically last?
• Where do you provide inpatient care if needed?
• What services, medications or equipment are covered?
• How do you handle cultural or religious preferences?
• What bereavement support do you offer families?

Making Your Decision With Confidence

Selecting the right hospice care team requires careful consideration of your unique situation. At Shiloh Hospice, we understand the great weight and importance of this decision. Our comprehensive team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, grief counselors, hospice aides and trained volunteers—all committed to making every moment count.

If you’re looking for a quality hospice care provider in the Greater Chicago area, we invite you to contact Shiloh Hospice today. Let our compassionate team be part of your hospice care journey.