A Message to Our Community: Hospice Care You Can Trust
In recent weeks, national media coverage, including a comprehensive report by CBS News, has brought attention to serious concerns regarding hospice fraud in California. These reports highlight troubling situations involving unethical practices, misuse of funds, and violations of patient trust.
These findings are deeply concerning. At their core, they represent not only misuse of taxpayer resources, but more importantly, a breach of trust with some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in our communities.
At Hospice of Amador & Calaveras, we want to speak directly to our community with clarity, transparency, and reassurance:
Not all hospice providers are the same.
Hospice care, when delivered with integrity, is one of the most compassionate and meaningful services in healthcare. It is centered on dignity, comfort, and support during life’s most tender moments. The vast majority of hospice providers, including our team, are deeply committed to ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care.
We also recognize that public perception matters. News of fraud can understandably create fear or hesitation for families considering hospice care. It is our responsibility not only to provide exceptional care, but to earn and maintain your trust every day.
At HOAC, we are proud to be:
- A local, independent, nonprofit hospice serving our community for over 40 years
- A provider of care regardless of ability to pay
- A team grounded in clinical excellence, transparency, and accountability
- A recipient of Hospice CAHPS Honors Elite recognition, reflecting the voices of the families we serve
We welcome oversight. We support accountability. And we believe that addressing these issues openly strengthens the integrity of hospice care for everyone.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider You Can Trust
If you or a loved one are considering hospice care, we encourage you to take an informed and thoughtful approach. Here are a few key things to look for:
✔ Local Reputation & Trust
Choose a provider known and respected in your community, with strong relationships and a proven track record.
Choose a provider known and respected in your community, with strong relationships and a proven track record.
✔ Transparency in Care & Funding
Ask how services are funded and whether care is provided regardless of ability to pay.
Ask how services are funded and whether care is provided regardless of ability to pay.
✔ Quality & Patient Experience
Review family satisfaction scores (CAHPS surveys) and recognitions such as Honors or Honors Elite.
Review family satisfaction scores (CAHPS surveys) and recognitions such as Honors or Honors Elite.
✔ Ethical Admission Practices
A reputable hospice will always ensure patients and families fully understand and consent to services.
A reputable hospice will always ensure patients and families fully understand and consent to services.
✔ Comprehensive Support
Look for care that includes nursing, emotional support, spiritual care, and bereavement services for families.
Look for care that includes nursing, emotional support, spiritual care, and bereavement services for families.
✔ Open Communication
You should feel informed, respected, and supported every step of the way.
You should feel informed, respected, and supported every step of the way.
✔ Commitment to Community
Choose a hospice that is invested in the wellbeing of your local community, not just delivering services but supporting it.
Choose a hospice that is invested in the wellbeing of your local community, not just delivering services but supporting it.
✨ Most importantly: Trust your instincts. Compassionate care should feel exactly that: compassionate.
To our community:
You deserve care that is ethical, compassionate, and grounded in dignity.
You deserve care that is ethical, compassionate, and grounded in dignity.
To our partners and supporters:
Thank you for continuing to stand with us and for recognizing the difference that mission-driven, community-based hospice care provides.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us and for recognizing the difference that mission-driven, community-based hospice care provides.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve with integrity, compassion, and excellence: every patient, every family, every time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Samantha M. Lukow, MHA
Executive Director
Hospice of Amador & Calaveras
Executive Director
Hospice of Amador & Calaveras