How to Choose a Hospice Provider
How to Choose a Hospice Provider in Portland, OR
Hospice care is a decision rooted in compassion. However, as a caregiver or loved one, the search for quality hospice services can be an overwhelming experience. To empower you to make confident and informed decisions, Agape Hospice NW is here to guide you through how to choose a hospice provider in Portland, OR.

How to Evaluate Hospice Providers
The road toward compassionate and dignified hospice care can feel daunting. While the internet is flooded with local options, these resources are little help if you do not understand the specifics of your loved one’s needs. To unravel how to evaluate hospice providers without unnecessary stress, entrust your search to Agape Hospice NW.
How to Begin Your Search for Hospice Care
Beginning your search for hospice care begins with knowing where to look and who to speak with. Although this decision can be made solely by family, we recommend consulting a doctor. Backed by referral experience, they can offer insightful expertise, valuable feedback from former families, and compassionate support.
Get Familiar with Hospice Care Services
Hospice care is an umbrella term. There are many types of hospice offerings, each defined by a varied scope of care. This raises the importance of inquiring with multiple facilities and developing a list of questions to ensure your selected service accommodates the entirety of your loved one’s needs.
Exploring Hospice Care Options
Quality hospice services cover more than medication management. To ensure the highest standards of end-of-life care, look for a hospice facility with the following offerings:
- Pain and symptom management
- Bereavement counseling and family and/or caregiver support resources
- Respite care
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Medication, medical equipment, and supplies
How to Evaluate Hospice Providers
Hospice facilities that offer a wider array of services do not always mean you will experience quality hospice care. In alignment with the standards set forth by the American Hospice Foundation, it’s important to interview potential hospice care facilities prior to committing to services. To mitigate settling for the wrong services, compile a list of hospice evaluation questions.
Hospice Evaluation Questions
At Agape Hospice NW, we encourage families to be proactive by developing a collection of questions to ask hospice providers. These questions should consider the following:
- Accreditation, certifications, and licensing
- Years of experience
- Hospice care provider availability and accessibility
- How are care standards regulated/monitored
- Hospice services and levels of care
- Specialty care programs and support resources

Staff Knowledge & Expertise
Extensive experience is a fundamental component of quality hospice care. To gauge the expertise of prospective facilities, ask the following:
- How long has the hospice provider/facility been in business?
- Do they contract with hospice care agencies or staff their own employees?
- Can they provide testimonies/reviews from former families?
- What are the training/qualifications of their hospice employees?
Availability &
Accessibility
For those seeking at-home hospice services, confirm the provider’s area of operation and projected commute times to ensure accessible care. Additionally, as end-of-life changes often arise with minimal warning, ask about the provider’s availability and emergency protocols.
Spiritual & Cultural Aspects to Consider
Everyone deserves dignity and respect. This is especially true during the final phase of life. To accommodate your loved one’s beliefs and values, ask whether the hospice provider offers spiritual resources and/or cultural accommodations during your hospice consult.
Call to Experience Compassionate & Dignified Care
Facilitate your search for quality hospice care with Agape Hospice NW. Backed by decades of experience, we are a premier choice for compassionate and dignified end-of-life care in Portland, OR. To learn more about our services, contact us to schedule your hospice consult.