The Top 10 Things to Consider When You Choose a Hospice Provider
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When a loved one is facing a terminal illness, choosing the right hospice provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While a doctor, hospital, or nursing facility may recommend a specific hospice, families arealwaysfree to interview and select any Medicare-approved provider they prefer. This is why choosing a hospice provider that offers the highest level of careis so vital.
At Tillery Compassionate Care, we provide much more than medical support. We provide a team that is a partner in your comfort, peace and dignity. We offer personalized hospice services wherever your loved one calls home, ensuring they receive skilled nursing, emotional and spiritual support, and round-the-clock care. For more information, simply contact us.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
To be eligible for hospice services, a patient must have a life expectancy of six months or less and must no longer be seeking curative treatment for their terminal condition. Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life—supporting both the patient and their loved ones through this journey.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider isn’t just about availability; it’s about trust, quality, and compassion. When making a decision, you should consider the following:
1. What Do Others Say About This Hospice?
Word of mouth is powerful. Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have experienced hospice care. Tillery Compassionate Care has a 95% rating compared to a national average of 84% and a North Carolina average of 87% on the question of “Willing to recommend this hospice”. The rankings can be found at medicare.gov/care-compare .
2. How Long Has the Hospice Been in Operation?
Longevity can be a sign of stability and consistent care. A hospice that has served the community for many years may have a proven track record of quality and reliability. Tillery Compassionate Care was established in 1981 by the community.
3. Is the Hospice Accredited?
Tillery Compassionate Care received CHAP Accreditation under the CHAP Hospice Standards of Excellence. Tillery Compassionate Care is the first hospice in North Carolina to achieve Age-Friendly Care at Home certification.
4. How Does the Hospice Measure Quality?
You don’t need to understand every technical detail, but it’s important to know how the hospice tracks and improves its care. Ask about:
- Staff training and certifications
- Ongoing education and quality improvement programs
- Patient and family satisfaction surveys
Tillery Compassionate Care encourages staff to continue education and requires staff training. Tillery Compassionate Care scores higher than national and state averages in patient and family satisfaction surveys. The rankings can be found at medicare.gov/care-compare .
5. Training the family to care for the patient.
“The hospice team always gave family members the training and information they needed to care for the patient.” On this patient and family satisfaction question, Tillery Compassionate Care again outranks state and national averages.
6. Cultural and Spiritual Support
Can they accommodate your family’s cultural or religious needs? Tillery Compassionate Care again scores higher than state and national average on providing the right type and amount of spiritual care. 95% for Tillery Compassionate Care in comparison to 90% national and 91% state average.
7. Availability
Tillery Compassionate Care has a nurse on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet your needs.
8. Range of Services
Tillery Compassionate Care provides hospice anywhere you call home, a skilled nursing center, an assisted living center, and at your home. Our bereavement staff will contact the family to provide grief counseling for up to 13 months following the death of the patient. Family members can participate in a variety of support groups and counseling sessions.
9. Staff Expertise
Hospice is a program of care that integrates the compassion, expertise, skills, and perspectives of a diverse team that includes a medical director, nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, clergy, volunteers, and, eventually, bereavement staff.
10. Financial Transparency
In most cases, hospice is paid by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay. Our billing specialist can answer specific questions, but as a nonprofit organization, Tillery Compassionate Care is committed to providing care regardless of ability to pay.
Tillery Compassionate Care Are Experts in Compassionate Care for Your or Your Loved One.
Choosing a hospice provider is a deeply personal decision. The right hospice will not only care for your loved one but will also support your entire family with compassion, dignity, and respect.
We promise to provide you with excellent care, to guide you and your family on this journey, and to ALWAYS respect your choices. Contact us for more information.
Key Takeaways:
- Families have the right to choose any Medicare-approved hospice provider, regardless of hospital recommendations.
- Tillery Compassionate Care offers holistic support, including medical, emotional, and spiritual care—wherever the patient calls home.
- Hospice eligibility requires a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less and a focus on comfort over curative treatment.
- Tillery Compassionate Care has earned outstanding satisfaction scores, exceeding both state and national averages in multiple quality areas.
- With more than 40 years of service, Tillery is a trusted and established hospice provider in the community.
- Accredited by CHAP and recognized for Age-Friendly Care, Tillery meets rigorous standards for quality and excellence.
- Staff training, ongoing education, and regular satisfaction surveys help Tillery consistently improve care delivery.
- Families receive hands-on training and education to care for their loved ones at home.
- Spiritual and cultural needs are respected and integrated into the care plan.
- Nurses are available 24/7 to provide timely support during crises or urgent needs.
- Hospice services are offered in private homes, assisted living centers, and skilled nursing facilities.
- Grief counseling and bereavement support are available to families for up to 13 months after a patient’s passing.
- The hospice care team includes medical professionals, social workers, clergy, and volunteers working together for comprehensive care.
- Most hospice costs are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, and Tillery Compassionate Care serves patients regardless of financial situation.
- Compassion, respect, and dignity are the foundation of Tillery Compassionate Care’s mission in every stage of end-of-life care.
