Choosing a Quality Hospice

Choosing a hospice can be a stressful process. It is important to know that you have a choice in selecting your hospice provider. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has developed the following questions that may help you identify factors that may be important to you and your family when selecting a hospice.

Has the hospice been surveyed by a state or federal oversight agency in the last two years and were there any deficiencies?

Circle of Life Hospice is surveyed every three years and we’re happy to share our survey results with you.

Will the hospice share their Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) Reports?

We are happy to share our recent FEHC scores so you can see how previous family members have rated our services.

Are clinical staff — physicians, nurses, social workers — certified or credentialed in hospice and palliative care?

Our Medical Director is hospice and palliative certified. Also, your care team is credentialed in hospice and palliative care.

How quickly can the hospice meet the patient and begin the admissions process? Is someone available at nights, weekends, or holidays?

At Circle of Life Hospice, you can expect that admission will take place within hours of the referral — including medical equipment delivery — including nights, weekends or holidays.

Will staff come to the home if there is a crisis at any time of the day or night and on weekends or holidays? Who is available to make the home visit (nurses, social workers, chaplains)? Unfortunately, some hospices offer limited in- home support on nights and weekends.

Our team is available by phone to help you no matter when a crisis arises. Should you need a hospice intervention or visit, you can expect no more than a 30-minute response time from us.

All hospices provide expert medical care, emotional and spiritual care, medicines, medical supplies and equipment, volunteers and grief support. However, what “extra” services does the hospice offer?

Circle of Life Hospice proudly offers specialized complementary therapies such as Healing Touch, Massage Therapy, Music for Relaxation, Pet Therapy, Aromatherapy, and ongoing bereavement services.

How long has the hospice been operating in the community? Is the hospice locally owned or a large corporation?

Circle of Life Hospice is locally owned and operated in Northern Nevada since 1999.

How many patients at any one time are assigned to each hospice staff member who will be caring for the patient?

We pride ourselves on having the lowest nursing to patient ratio in the area. Smaller caseloads allow our nurses to spend more quality one-on-one time with each patient, and be available to respond timely to all needs.

What if I have enrolled with a hospice agency and I am not happy?

Even though you are already enrolled in a hospice program you are free to transfer to another program if the agency you chose isn't meeting the standards of care you expected. Call us and we’re happy to help guide you through switching from your current provider to Circle of Life Hospice.

What services do volunteers offer, and if requested, how quickly will a volunteer be available?

Volunteers can provide a variety of services including friendly visits, light household chores, running errands or assist with personal care. If you are interested in a hospice volunteer, we’re happy to match a volunteer to meet your needs.

What screening and type of training do hospice volunteers receive before they are placed with patients and families?

Circle of Life Hospice volunteers receive the same screening and training as our professional employees.