When families are no longer able to care for their sick parent, sibling, or child, they may opt to place the patient in a Utah hospice facility. With the support of experienced staff, both men and women can spend the remainder of their days in comfort. Most patients are referred to a specific hospice center by a personal physician. While the doctor has to give the order, families are free to select any center that can provide generous support for their loved one. The selection process should be completed with the up most care. That includes asking several hospice companies a list of tough questions. To ensure that all issues are covered, ask the advice of professionals, such as social workers, staff members of senior centers, clergy, and doctors. Your investigation should include questions, such as these: 1. To what extend will the staff honor a patient’s wishes? 2. What will the caregivers do to improve the patient’s comfort? 3. How do you handle requests for painkillers? 4. What type of meals do you serve? 5. Does the patient’s family physician have access to the facility? 6. How many visitors can be in the room at one time? 7. How do you screen staff members and volunteers? 8. What training did they receive to deal with emergency situations? 9. How many staff members are scheduled for the night shift? 10. What is the responsibility of the after-hour crew? 11. What makes you stand out from other Utah hospice facilities? 12. Are you certified, licensed and insured? 13. How much of the services is covered by insurance? 14. What kind of charges can we expect? 15. How will you notify us when the patient’s condition gets worse? 16. What is your policy when a patient dies? Insist on direct answers from the facility’s director, or authorized administrative personnel. Compare your notes. Pick the hospice that you feel most comfortable with.
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