Elderly woman on wheelchair in nursing home with helpful doctor at her side and young nurse making the bed
When an individual is approaching the end of life, comfort and quality care are vital. Families need to know that the person they love will get everything needed for a tranquil transition. Hospice care is indispensable during this time, and combining hospice with in-home care services helps to ensure that both the individual receiving care and family members have all of the bases covered. The benefits of home care and hospice together allow families to simply focus on being together.
There’s often some confusion about what these services cover, as well as how much they cost. At‑Home Care Company has the important information you need.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is offered when a disease is no longer responding to curative treatment methods and life expectancy is 6 months or less. Treatment turns to palliative measures to help keep the individual comfortable and to ensure the greatest possible quality of life. Medicare and most private insurance cover the cost for hospice care, which includes:
- Doctor and nursing care
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medicines for pain and symptom management
- Speech therapy, physical, and/or occupational therapy services
- Social services
- Nutrition counseling
- Spiritual/grief counseling for both the person getting care and family members
- And other services as suggested by the hospice care team
Home Care
Non-medical in-home care services, like those offered by At‑Home Care Company, a trusted provider of home care in Waukee and the surrounding areas, enhance hospice care services by filling in any gaps in care needs, such as:
- Friendly companionship
- Running errands
- Preparing meals
- Respite for family caregivers
- And much more
It’s essential for someone to be with the person receiving hospice care around the clock, and to have one person designated as the main care provider. This person is commonly a member of the family or a friend who can keep an eye on signs and symptoms as well as offer most of the physical care the person needs. However, the primary caregiver can’t (and should not attempt to) do so all by themselves. This is where home care comes in.
An in-home caregiver can be available for as much help as families need, any time of day. They can also relieve some of the pressure the main caregiver and other members of the family are dealing with by taking care of the day-to-day needs within the home that are necessary. This collaboration allows families to focus on spending quality time together, to get the rest they need, and to take care of their own personal obligations.
In contrast to hospice care, home care costs are paid for privately. There are a number of different options available, including:
- Out of pocket
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans’ Aid & Attendance
Our home care specialists are here to help you get any benefits for which you might be qualified to help cover home and hospice care. Reach out to us at 515‑292‑2650 for a complimentary in-home assessment to acquire more information.