15 Essential Questions to Help You Advocate for Your Loved One

When a loved one enters the final chapter of life, choosing the right in-home hospice provider becomes one of the most important decisions a family can make. Yet in the midst of grief, stress, and uncertainty, many families don’t know what to ask—or even what matters most.

This guide offers 15 essential questions to help you advocate for your loved one and ensure they receive compassionate, competent care. Whether you're preparing for your first hospice consultation or reevaluating your current provider, these questions can help you make an informed, confident choice.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Hospice care isn’t just about medical support—it’s about trust, presence, and dignity. The provider you choose will be entering your home, interacting with your family, and caring for someone in their most vulnerable state. Asking thoughtful questions upfront can prevent misunderstandings, reduce stress, and ensure your loved one’s needs are truly met.

The 15 Questions Every Family Should Ask About Hospice

1. How often will nurses and hospice aides visit?

Frequency of visits can vary widely. Ask for a clear schedule and how it may change based on your loved one’s condition.

2. Do you have dedicated on-call staff for nights and weekends?

Some agencies rotate full-time staff into on-call roles, which can lead to burnout. Dedicated on-call teams often provide more responsive care.

3. What’s your average response time in emergencies?

If symptoms escalate, how quickly can someone arrive? Ask about their coverage area and proximity to your home.

4. Do you offer respite care? How is it structured?

Respite care gives primary caregivers a break. Ask whether they offer in-home relief, contracts with facilities, or their own inpatient unit.

5. Do you have an inpatient hospice unit if symptoms can’t be managed at home?

Not all agencies do. If they don’t, ask what alternatives they offer—such as hospital partnerships or continuous care.

6. Will your nurses administer medications like morphine if needed?

Pain management is a critical part of hospice. Clarify what medications they provide and who administers them.

7. Can you help coordinate care with our current doctors and specialists?

Ask how they’ll communicate with your loved one’s existing care team and what changes they might recommend.

8. What’s your process for handling complaints or grievances?

A transparent, respectful system is a sign of a healthy organization. Ask how they handle staff changes if needed.

9. What services do you offer for family members—during and after care?

Bereavement support, counseling, and volunteer companionship can make a huge difference.

10. Do you provide a free consultation or home visit before enrollment?

Meeting in person can help you assess their bedside manner and professionalism.

11. How do you train and support your staff to prevent burnout?

Compassion fatigue is real. Agencies that invest in staff wellness often deliver better care.

12. Are volunteers available to help with companionship or errands?

Volunteers can offer emotional support and practical help, especially for isolated caregivers.

13. What’s your policy on hydration and nutrition support?

Some providers are more proactive than others. Ask about IV hydration, feeding assistance, and comfort-focused nutrition.

14. Can we switch providers if our needs aren’t being met?

Yes—you can. But ask about the process, timing, and any potential disruptions in care.

15. What does your ideal patient-family relationship look like?

This open-ended question can reveal their philosophy of care and how they view their role in your loved one’s journey.

Downloadable Checklist

Want to keep these questions handy for your next call or consultation? Download our printable checklist and bring it with you. It’s okay to fumble through these conversations—what matters is showing up with intention and care.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a hospice provider isn’t just a medical decision—it’s a deeply personal one. Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. And remember: you’re not alone. There are compassionate professionals out there who want to walk this road with you.

If you’d like help reviewing your current hospice options or crafting your own list of questions, I’m here to help.