Our experts explain how home care benefits families who are helping a loved one in hospice care.
When a person is nearing the end of life, comfort and high quality care are important. Families need to know that the person they love will get everything needed for a peaceful transition. Hospice care is invaluable during this period, and coupling hospice with home care benefits both the person receiving care and family members, ensuring all of the bases are covered. The blend of both models of services allows families to solely concentrate on being together.
There is often some confusion about what both of these services cover, and how much they cost. Home With You Senior Care’s experts in elder care in Howard County, MD and the surrounding areas have the essential information you need.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is offered when a health condition is no longer responding to curative treatment options and life expectancy is six months or less. Treatment turns to palliative measures to help keep the individual comfortable and to ensure 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
- Speech therapy, physical, and/or occupational therapy services
- Social services
- Nutrition counseling
- Spiritual/grief counseling for the person receiving care and family members
- And other services as suggested by the hospice care team
In-Home Care
Non-medical in-home care services, like those supplied by Home With You Senior Care, enhance hospice care services by filling in any gaps in care needs, such as:
- Companionship
- Errand running
- Preparing meals
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Respite for family caregivers
- And so much more
It is vital for someone to be with the patient receiving hospice care 24 hours a day, and to have one person specified as the primary care provider. This person is typically a member of the family or a friend who will keep an eye on symptoms and issues as well as provide most of the physical care the person needs. However, the main caregiver cannot (and really should not try to) do everything independently. This is where in-home care can help.
An in-home caregiver is available for as much help as families need, any time of day or night. They can also reduce some of the pressure the principal caregiver and other family members are dealing with by taking care of the daily needs around the home that continue to be necessary. This collaboration allows families to focus 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, in-home care costs are taken care of privately. There are a number of different options available, including:
- Out of pocket
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans’ Aid & Attendance
Our care specialists are here to help you receive any home care benefits for which you may be qualified in order to cover home care services. Reach out to us at 410‑756‑0959 for a no-cost in-home assessment for more information.