1 Star -- A deeply troubling experience with Everest Hospice
Our family's experience with Everest Hospice was one of the worst experiences we have ever had with a healthcare provider. Years later, I still believe families considering this company deserve to hear what happened to us.
During an incredibly vulnerable time involving my dying loved one, we expected compassion, professionalism, clear communication, and appropriate end-of-life care. Instead, we felt judged, disrespected, and abandoned. Communication was poor, and we were ultimately discharged from care without what I believe was adequate notice or preparation, despite the hospice being paid for her care. We also experienced problems obtaining needed medications through the pharmacy associated with the hospice.
What disturbed me even more was what happened outside of her actual medical care. We had a Republican flag at our home. A nurse, Diane, later sent messages that I understood to suggest we might have received better service had that flag not been displayed. She also made comments about our family's military service that I found extremely inappropriate and disrespectful.
Our family was subsequently reported to the FBI with extremely serious allegations involving firearms, ammunition, and claims regarding how my loved one was being medicated. We legally owned firearms and protective equipment. The allegations against us were not substantiated, and the FBI interaction ultimately went nowhere. Regardless of anyone's political beliefs, I do not believe politics should ever influence how a dying patient or their family is treated by hospice personnel.
Obtaining the hospice records afterward was another ordeal and took years. When I finally received them, I found statements that I believe were inaccurate, including documentation concerning who prescribed medications and who placed my loved one on hospice. Those discrepancies were particularly concerning to me because Everest had its own hospice physician involved in her care.
Hospice enters people's lives during some of their most painful and vulnerable moments. Families should feel supported--not judged because of their politics, military background, lawful possessions, or personal beliefs.
This review reflects our family's personal experience and my opinion based on the communications, records, and events we experienced. I would never choose Everest Hospice again, and I strongly encourage families considering them to ask detailed questions, keep copies of communications and medical records, and advocate closely for their loved one.
This is a factual experience based on a real experience, I write this to try to save you and your family heartache. read more