Seek out recommendations from your loved one’s physicians. They have the practical experience to know which hospice organizations provide compassionate and professional service.

Wendy H.

Despite the difficulties encountered trying to find the right healthcare aide, I would still prefer an aide at home to a nursing home.

Maureen F.

Hospital discharge staff and geriatric care physicians can provide immense support in selecting the appropriate level of care for a loved one as well as viable options. Still, it is important to be your own advocate.

Industry Insider Erin F.

Support your loved one through each change, and allow hospice to support you both. Hospice can be a tremendous resource for caretakers.

Kaylen J.

The first weeks were hard and my grandmothers made sure we were aware of their abandonment feelings. However, their passionate disdain transformed into a secretive fondness; then they asked us if they could go on the weekends.

Samantha M.

When we were told the staff all helped out with the patients, that everyone from administration to maintenance knew each patient's care plan, and that patients were considered family, we knew we'd fount the right place.

Stephanie V.

Through this experience, we learned to make our own decisions on health care. We should listen to our doctors, but we must pay attention and make sure that our loved one is getting the best care.

Theresa F.

One thing we did not do so well was thinking ahead about the possibilities. If we had talked about it, we might have chosen not to have [my mother] undergo the hip operation and simply allowed her to remain bed-ridden with hospice pain medication.

Carrie B.

My advice to others who are considering placing a loved one in any facility would be to simply be aware. Ask the toughest questions you can think of.

David T.

Choose 3-5 facilities & then ask the senior to pick a few in which they would consider living...take the senior to visit the facilities. When a senior can see for themselves that the place is not all bad, they may be more willing to accept change.

Industry Insider David S.

This is critical to a program...Ask if the staff members have any certifications, continuing education credits, or other training that demonstrates they understand the unique needs of this patient population.

Industry Insider Erin F.

It is important to carefully evaluate any home before allowing your loved one to be placed in it. Check for state inspection records – they are easy to obtain. Also, visit with the management and assess their commitment and professionalism.

Industry Insider Joe G.

The quality of care a person receives from an assisted living facility is relative to the amount of time and vigilance the family and loved ones exercise in researching, interviewing, and reviewing the assisted living facility and its staff.

Avon A.

When we arrived at the second place, residents greeted us and welcomed her by name. Instead of a staff person taking her on a tour, three residents conducted a complete tour and talked about all the wonderful activities.

Gerald A.

Plan ahead. Buy long-term care insurance if you can afford it — and do it early. Current medical care normally involves nursing homes for most seniors.

Monica C.

Knowing exactly what type of care is necessary and for how long the care is needed will help you choose a nursing facility for those exact needs.

Donna C.

You really get what you pay for with a good hospice, so skimp on price only if you have to.

Stephanie L.

Calling hospice is one of those things that means you need to acknowledge that your family member is on his or her deathbed, and if you still have hope for the person to be well, then it can make that decision harder.

Catrina D.

[Consider] the experience of the care provider...as well as the individual who is actually rendering the care. Try to meet the person who will be rendering the care to make sure it's someone you like and can trust. Trust your intuition on this one.

Mike M.

As loved ones age, families try until they are spent to do all they can to meet the family member's needs...Early on, [seniors] should have the opportunity to live in a community of people who are their peers.

Industry Insider Judson V.