Established to provide emotional and medical support during an advanced illness, hospice care programs like those available at the Wolcott, CT-based Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center can help maintain a loved one’s quality of life and allow them to spend their days as painlessly and comfortably as possible. While there are likely to be several hospice centers in your area, it’s important to do your research before choosing which one will be best for you and your family member.

Here are three factors to look for when choosing a hospice care program.

Staff Experience

Certification in palliative care is not absolutely essential to determine whether the hospice center’s clinical staff is qualified to care for your loved one. However, if the physicians, nurses, or social workers do have this credential, it indicates they have received the education and training for the type of services needed at hospice care facilities. The experience level of the staff, along with how long the establishment has been running, are big factors to consider. The longer it has been in operation, the more assured you can be about the quality of service.

Levels Of Care Available

A hospice care facility doesn’t need to be limited to private inpatient units. Several offer varying degrees of care, such as leased beds in a hospital, nursing home options, and even in-home care for those who may not need full-fledged hospice care yet. Ask about these additional care options and look into the hospice center’s extra services like emotional and spiritual support or grief counseling. Depending on the needs of your family, you can choose which hospice center’s range of services is most suitable.

Accreditation

Like staff credentials, hospice center accreditation is not a requirement for it to be a viable option, but having been accredited gives it the added validation of its level of service. It indicates the hospice care program has been assessed and vouched for by another organization and gives it the extra acknowledgment of credibility and quality. A hospice care facility can also be state-licensed, if not accredited.

For additional guidelines on choosing a hospice care program, or to make an appointment for a tour, contact Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center at (203) 879-8066 or visit their website. You can also connect with them on Facebook.