How to Choose a Hospice
The following questions are important to ask when selecting a hospice program to assure you are receiving the best possible care and assistance available. If you wish to use the services of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, please be sure to insist on us, by name.
How long have you been providing hospice care?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio was the Toledo area's first hospice. Founded in 1981, we are the only local, independent, non-profit agency that dedicates all of its resources exclusively to hospice and palliative care.
Is your staff specially trained in end-of-life care?
Five of our staff physicians are certified in hospice and palliative care and their careers are fully devoted to our patients. Plus, we have more certified hospice nurses than any other area hospice. In fact, because of our recognized expertise in end-of-life care, we work with the University of Toledo Medical Center, Mercy Health and other institutions to provide training for medical, pharmacy and nursing students.
How satisfied are your patients and families?
In written surveys,100% of all respondents rated Hospice of Northwest Ohio a 9/10 or 10/10! This is compared to only 86% nationally.
How well do you manage pain and other symptoms?
Our pain and symptom management expertise is unmatched in this region. We strive to get pain managed within 48 hours of being admitted to our program
Do you have a freestanding inpatient center?
Yes. In fact, we have three! All are state-of-the-art facilities specially designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families at the end of life. Our 24-bed Edward and Marion Knight Hospice Center in Perrysburg, 24-bed Virginia Clifford Hospice Center in Toledo and 12-bed Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania provide beautiful, home-like environments for patients who require close medical monitoring, or whose conditions can no longer be managed at home.
What are your staffing levels?
Our inpatient centers have staffing levels that are far better than traditional nursing facilities. Our physicians are very accessible to patients and actually make house calls. Hospice home care nurses generally schedule daytime visits, but additional nursing staff are available around the clock for phone consultations or patient needs that require additional home visits.
Do you have ample volunteers to assist patients and families?
With more than 175 expertly trained volunteers, we are able to provide a remarkable level of personal assistance to the patients and families we serve.
Do you provide bereavement services?
Yes. Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides the area’s most comprehensive range of grief support services. These include counseling, support groups and special workshops, which are free and open to anyone in the community.
What is your policy for patients who are unable to pay for services?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio is a not-for-profit agency and receives substantial support from a variety of community sources. We are pleased to be able to care for everyone who requests our services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Are you Joint Commission accredited?
Yes, Hospice of Northwest Ohio is accredited by the Joint Commission. This requires a rigorous review of every aspect of our organization and is achieved only by the most outstanding agencies.
What professional affiliations does your hospice maintain?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio is licensed in Ohio and Michigan, is Medicare and Medicaid certified and Joint Commission accredited. We are members of Leading Age Ohio, Hospice Alliance of Ohio and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation.