Introduction
Delivering high-quality hospice care depends on skilled nurses, social workers, aides and chaplains. Yet the industry continues to face workforce shortages and rising costs. Understanding this helps families ask the right questions and select providers who manage these challenges effectively.
Major Workforce Issues
- Staffing shortages: Many hospice providers report difficulty recruiting & retaining staff experienced in emotional/spiritual care.
- Burnout and turnover: The emotional demands of hospice work can lead to high turnover, impacting continuity of care.
- Operational pressures: Rising costs, regulatory burdens, and increased demand strain staffing models.
- Training & specialization: Hospice care is specialized — it isn’t the same as routine home health. Without proper training, quality may suffer.
What Families Can Ask
- What is your staff-to-patient ratio? How often will visits occur?
- What training and support do your hospice professionals receive?
- How do you handle staffing gaps (weekends, nights, holidays)?
- What is your caregiver turnover rate? Do patients see many different staff?
Key Take-Aways
- The quality of hospice care is tied to workforce stability and training.
- Good providers take proactive steps: staff support, retention strategies, clear scheduling.
- Families should evaluate not just service availability, but who will actually be delivering the care.
