I’m often asked “Is there really a difference between for-profit and non-profit hospices?” My response is “YES!” While both are required to provide the same core services to patients, there are significant differences between the two. An article published on February 27, 2023 in JAMA Internal Medicine (online) titled “Association of Hospice Profit Status With Family Caregivers’ Reported Care Experiences” looked at survey data from 3,107 hospices from April 2017 to March 2019. In this data, there were 906 not-for-profit hospices and 1,761 for-profit hospices represented (Price, et. al., JAMA Intern Med. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.7076 Published online February 27, 2023). The differences were striking.
Non-profit hospices, on average, have nearly twice as much experience with end-of-life care (25.7 vs. 13.8 years), and significantly more providers score much higher on survey scores. Families also report substantially worse care experiences with for-profit hospice programs (Price, et. al.).
Non-profit hospices, like Hospice of Northwest Ohio, are mission-driven and committed to the community. Our patients and families are our highest priority. All proceeds from our care are reinvested to improve our programs and services, with the goal of providing the highest quality of care and support for our patients, families and hospice team. We offer care above and beyond what Medicare requires, both in the community and in our two inpatient centers, to help manage symptoms and provide respite to caregivers. Services like advance care planning and grief support are available at no cost to everyone in the community. Our commitment to the community is steadfast, and has been in place for more than 40 years. There have been several for-profit hospices that have come and gone from our community. Why did they leave? They weren’t making a profit. Our 40+ year commitment shows that we put patients, families, employees, and our community first - over profits.
Many people don’t know that Hospice of Northwest Ohio is the only hospice in our area which cares for pediatric patients. Our pediatric team is specially trained in the needs of infants and children as they approach their end of life. Does it cost more? Yes. Is it difficult? Extremely. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely. I hate to think of any family with a seriously ill child going through that journey without our help.
Our agency was founded by a passionate group of volunteers who wanted to improve the way care was provided to terminally ill patients in our community. For more than 40 years, our community has invested in us. You’ve trusted us. Your support, both financially and through gifts of time and talent allow us to do more for our patients. As the community’s non-profit hospice, we couldn’t do what we do without you.