Free SimplyNaya checklist
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Hospice
You do not have to ask every question. Start with what matters most today, write down the answers and notice whether the hospice communicates clearly and respectfully.
Getting started
- How quickly can you evaluate and admit someone when hospice is appropriate?
- Where do you provide care, and do you currently serve this location?
- What should our family expect during the first 24 to 48 hours?
- Which insurance plans do you accept, and who will explain possible costs?
Visits and responsiveness
- Who answers calls at night, on weekends and on holidays?
- How quickly should we expect a response to an urgent need?
- Will we usually see the same nurse and hospice aide?
- How often should we expect visits from each member of the hospice team?
- How many patients does each nurse typically manage?
Medications, equipment and symptoms
- Which medications, supplies and equipment will hospice provide?
- How quickly can a hospital bed, oxygen or other equipment be delivered?
- Which current medications may continue, and who makes that decision?
- What should we do if pain or another symptom becomes difficult to control?
- Where is inpatient hospice care available if symptoms cannot be managed here?
Caregiver and family support
- What training will you provide to family or facility caregivers?
- How is respite care arranged when a caregiver needs a break?
- What social work, spiritual care and bereavement services are available?
- How will you communicate changes in the care plan to our family?
- Who should we contact if we have a concern about service or responsiveness?
Fit and accountability
- What experience does your team have with this illness and these care needs?
- How do you coordinate with the attending physician and other care providers?
- What services might not be covered because you consider them unrelated to the terminal illness?
- How can we request that determination in writing?
- If this hospice is not the right fit, how would a change to another provider be coordinated?
Three questions to prioritize when time is short
- Who answers after hours, and how quickly will someone respond?
- What medications, equipment and services will you provide?
- What happens if symptoms cannot be managed where my loved one lives?
Sources and review
← All hospice resourcesLast reviewed August 15, 2026. Developed by SimplyNaya using public Medicare guidance, including Medicare’s Suggested Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hospice. SimplyNaya is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS or HHS.
View the Medicare checklist ↗