The final phase of life can be concerning, and choosing a hospice care provider can be a daunting task and uncomfortable decision. However, it doesn’t have to be. We believe that with the proper information, you and your loved one will select River City Hospice as your preferred hospice provider.

In order to help you with this decision, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has curated questions to ask when choosing a hospice. River City Hospice has answered the questions below to assist with becoming familiar with us and our process.

Q: Is the Hospice Medicare Certified?

A: Yes, River City Hospice is Medicare Certified. In fact, most hospices are certified by Medicare, and therefore, they’re required to follow the rules and regulations outlined by Medicare. This is necessary to know if you want to receive hospice care as a part of your Medicare/Medicaid coverage.

Q: Has the hospice been surveyed by a state or federal oversight agency in the last five years?

A: Yes, River City Hospice has been surveyed in the last five years. As a Joint Commission Accredited organization, our hospice program is reviewed at least every three years. Accreditation by the Joint Commission means that an agency has undergone stringent inspection to obtain accreditation. Indeed, accreditation is a commitment to deliver the highest possible quality of care to patients.

Q: Is the hospice accredited by a national organization?

A: There are several national organizations that accredit hospices to ensure they meet quality standards. River City Hospice is honored to share that we have earned the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval, meaning that we have dedicated ourselves to, and achieved, the highest level of quality in the industry and the Nation Patient Safety Goal.

Q: Does the hospice conduct a family evaluation survey?

A: Following the passing of a loved one, many hospices ask family members to complete an evaluation of their services, and River City Hospice is no different. We conduct regular surveys of our services, at least annually.

Q: Does the hospice own or operate a care facility to provide home-like care in a hospice residence, hospital or nursing home?

A: It’s important to know the logistics if the care needed is particularly complex or family caregivers can’t care for their loved one at home. River City Hospice does not own or operate a care facility but provides care in the patient’s home and has contracts with hospitals and nursing facilities in care our patient’s family needs a respite or the patient’s condition necessitates general inpatient care.

Q: Are clinical staff (physicians, nurses, social workers) certified or credentialed in hospice and palliative care?

A: Our clinical staff is fully licensed and board-certified to perform their duties. Coupled with that, we encourage hospice and palliative certification of our staff members. Our volunteers also undergo rigorous training to ensure that they’re delivering compassionate, conscious care that is in line with our standards on quality.

Q: What services do volunteers offer, and how quickly can a volunteer be available?

A: River City Hospice volunteers are able to prepare light meals, conduct light housekeeping, run errands for family members and patients, and provide emotional support to loved ones and patients. During our inaugural visits we will ask if you’d like a volunteer and work diligently to match you with a compassionate individual who meets your specific needs.

Q: Will staff come to the home if there is a crisis at any time of the day or night and on weekends? Who is available to make the home visit (nurse, doctors, social workers, chaplains)?

A: Dedication to our patients is one of our highest values. River City Hospice staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will see the patient wherever they reside, and we are always able to perform visits whenever our patients need us.

Q: If I need to go to a hospital or nursing home which ones do/don’t work with the hospice?

A: River City Hospice contracts with a number of hospitals and nursing homes in the area. If you’re unsure which ones we work with, simply ask us and we are able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you and your loved ones.

Q: What “extra” services does the hospice offer?

A: River City Hospice provides exceptional medical, emotional, and spiritual care for both patients and their loved ones, before and after the patient’s passing. For any special requests you may have, we encourage you to call us.

Q: How long has the hospice been operating in the community?

A: River City Hospice has proudly provided services to the community since 2010.

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

A: We schedule our staff geographically and by volume. Case Managers are assigned so that they can fully provide the degree of care needed for the patient and their family. Naturally, the time for each visit will vary accordingly.

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

A: River City Hospice volunteers are required to complete similar training as a new employee to ensure they are fully oriented to the requirements of the duties that they will be performing. 

Q: How quickly can the intake/admissions staff come to begin the admissions process? Is someone available at nights or on weekends?

A: Our staff are always immediately available to respond to your request for admission. River City Hospice will work with you to schedule a convenient time for your family and loved one.

Q: What is the organization’s governance structure?

A: River City Hospice is a for-profit agency that is dedicated to exceeding the care and services needed by our patients.

Q: Is the hospice a “We Honor Veterans Partner”?

A: Yes we are. River City Hospice proudly serves our veterans and partner the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s We Honor Veterans program.