Just like with hospitals, physicians, and other professional services, all hospices are not the same. Different hospices have different levels of expertise, philosophies of care, and approaches to supporting patients and families. Patients and families often don't know how to go about learning more about hospice - or how to find the hospice that is right for them.

Here are some questions every family should ask as they're considering which hospice might be able to provide the kind of service and support they deserve.

1. How do I go about obtaining hospice services? How do I qualify?
   
   
2. What kind of services can I expect?
   
   
3. Where will you provide these services?
   
   
4. Can I continue to see and work with my personal physician?
   
   
5. What role will my family play in my care plan? What if I have no family?
   
   
6. What happens if I need to go to the hospital? Or need additional treatment or medications?
   
   
7. How much control and choice will I have over my care?
   
   
8. What kind of support will be available to my family?
   
   
9. What kind of services are available after-hours? How managed?
   
   
10. Can I continue to receive other medical care and services?

To learn more about the VistaCare difference and to learn whether hospice might be the right answer for you or a loved one, visit our "Is Hospice the Answer?" page on-line or call VistaCare at 1-866-VISTACARE (847-8222).