COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Choosing A Hospice Provider o Can I still see my regular doctor if I am on hospice? If yes, how will the hospice team coordinate care with my doctor? o What other services can your hospice offer to the patient/family for comfort care? (e.g., physical therapy) o What is the expectation about the family's role in caregiving? o What is the procedure and response time for after-hours questions and concerns? Who answers the phone after hours? Is it an answering service or is it a direct line to a clinical person? Do they have immediate access to the medical chart? o How rapid is crisis response? o Do you offer 24-hour care program should the situation arise? o Is this program staffed by hospice trained personnel? Is it continuous? o How do you manage medication and nutrition for the patient? o What are the options for inpatient care? o Do you have a bereavement program? o Is the hospice service in good standing with the Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General's office? o Tell me how your hospice program is different from others in Orange County. For additional information visit: Hospice Foundation of America at www.hospicefoundation.org or call 800-854-3402 Council On Aging - Southern California | 714-479-0107 | www.coasc.org Answers Guide 23/24 77 CHECKLISTShttp://www.hospicefoundation.org http://www.coasc.org