Once you have chosen a hospice, the first step is to call and set up an initial assessment of the patient’s needs. The call can be made by a family member, the patient, the doctor, or someone at the hospital.
A member of the hospice’s nursing staff will ask for initial information on the phone and then visit the patient in order to make a detailed assessment of their condition.
During this visit, the hospice will:
- assess the patient’s eligibility for hospice,
- evaluate the individual’s need for pain and symptom management,
- counsel the individual with respect to end-of-life issues and care options, and
- advise the individual regarding advanced care planning.
The hospice will then discuss with you whether hospice care is the most appropriate choice for you or your loved one.
American Hospice Foundation 