Hospice volunteer never showed up this morning...again. The Hospice in my area is the most unprofessional, inept organization. I called to find out what is going on and they tole me they are sure she would show up. After another 30 minutes I called back. They never even checked. They just assumed she was running late. When I told them she still wasn't here, they checked their records and realized she told them she couldn't work this week. They never read the files. What a surprise. Of course on such short notice they have no one which means the 4 hours I go to work, I have to call in and tell them I won't be there (which means I don't get paid). Because this is an on going problem with this Hospice beside all the other problems I have had, I called and left a message for the CEO. Hospice causes me more stress than they relieve. I know others have had positive experiences with them, but I have not since they started 4 months ago. They are the only Hospice in my area so I have no choice but to use them. I also have to put Mom's needs first so I can't dismiss them. Last time I had a problem I contacted the Nation organization and they told me to call Medicare which I didn't, but this time I am filing a complaint.

You should call Medicare. This smacks of fraud to me. I'm willing to bet that they are billing her anyway. Check on that to see.

I'm sorry you're going through this. Like you don't have ENOUGH on your plate without support falling through too. I don't have any good answers for you but I just wanted to let you know I hear what you're saying. Scream, and scream loud. I'd even write a letter to the editor of the local paper and SHAME them if nothing else in front of a whole lot of people. I'd say right off hand, the CEO hasn't had a dying family member or he or she wouldn't accept this.
Good luck with Medicare - go get 'em!

Oh, Christine! I feel so bad for all you've been through lately. I hope things start showing some improvement SOON. It must be so frustrating not having another alternative.

Definitely make sure that they don't charge Medicare for the days they don't show up. Hope you are keeping a log. There was a very disturbing piece on TV the other day about Medicare fraud. It is TOO easy!

Thank you all for letting me rant. I called the CEO of this Hospice and spoke to her. She said someone would look into it and call me back. Thanks again.

Dear Christine: I am very sorry to hear about what is happening. This certainly is stressful.

If hospice can work this out, that is a good thing. However, I notice you live in FLorida. Please look at your yellow pages for hospice organizations.

We here in California have multiple hospice agencies; some of them very far distant from some of their service areas, but they cover them very nicely anyway. You may have more options than you think. (Hopefully.)

If your loved one has Medicare or a Medicare HMO, you can only change hospice once in any "certification" period. Ask your hospice to explain cert periods to you.

And if nothing improves, you do have the right to make a formal complaint to their regulatory agency. They must give you this number and name when you sign on.

I do hope they can make a difference and things can get into better shape for you.

Let us know how this is going, we'll be thinking of you,.

Johanna C.

Johanna makes a good point -- Hospices often cover a much larger area than one might think. The one that is working with my mom covers five counties, I think. Call the hospital at which your mom would be treated if she needed hospital care and ask to speak to a discharge planner. This is usually a social worker or sometimes an RN. Tell them you are using We'reTooBusyToCare Hospice and would like to consider other options -- what would they recommend?

Also, please don't accept that the CEO says she will look into it. Nag her until you get the answers you want. I have the Hospice coordinator and nursing home administrator on my cell phone's speed dial -- just in case!