Our experts explain how home care benefits families with a loved one in hospice care by providing a number of helpful services.
When a person is nearing the end of life, comfort and top quality care are so important. Families want to know that the individual they love will get everything they need for a tranquil transition. Hospice care is indispensable during this time, and partnering hospice with home care services means that both the person receiving care and family members have all of the bases covered.
There’s often some confusion as to what each of these services provide, as well as how much they cost. Hearts at Home In-Home Care’s experts in home care in Lenexa, KS and the surrounding areas have the information you need.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is offered when a health condition is no longer responding to curative treatment plans and life expectancy is 6 months or less. Treatment shifts to palliative strategies to help keep the person comfortable and to guarantee the best possible quality of life. Medicare and most private insurance cover the cost for hospice care, which includes:
- Physician and nursing care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Medications for pain and symptom management
- Physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy services
- Social services
- Nutrition guidance
- Spiritual/grief counseling for both the person receiving care and family members
- And other services as suggested by the hospice care team
Home Care
Non-medical home care services, like those supplied by Hearts at Home In-Home Care, complement hospice care services by filling any gaps in care needs, such as:
- Friendly companionship
- Errand running
- Preparing meals
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Respite for family caregivers
- And a lot more
It is vital for somebody to be with the person receiving hospice care 24 hours a day, and to have one person specified as the primary caregiver. This person is usually a family member or friend who will keep track of symptoms and issues as well as offer most of the physical care the individual requires. However, the primary caregiver can’t (and really should not try to) do so all on their own. This is where home care can help.
An in-home care provider is available for as much or as little assistance as families need, any time of day. They can also relieve some of the pressure the primary caregiver and other family members are experiencing by taking care of the daily needs within the home that continue to be necessary. This partnership allows families to concentrate on spending quality time with their loved ones, to get the rest they need, and to take care of their own personal responsibilities.
Unlike hospice care, home care costs are covered privately. There are a number of different options available, including:
- Out of pocket
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans’ Aid & Attendance
Want more information about how home care benefits families during hospice care? Our compassionate home care professionals are here to help! We can assist you in obtaining any benefits for which you may be qualified to help cover home care services. Reach out to us at 913‑440‑4209 for a no-cost in-home consultation to acquire more information.