Learn how home care and hospice work together to improve care and help families make time for each other.
When an individual is drawing near the end of life, comfort and quality care are important. Families want to know that the person they love will receive everything necessary for a tranquil transition. Hospice care is indispensable during this time, and coupling hospice with in-home care services means that both the person receiving care and family members have all of the bases covered. The combination of home care and hospice allows families to simply focus on being together.
There is often some confusion about what these services cover, and how much they cost. Compassionate Nursing Services, a provider of at home care in St. Louis and the surrounding areas, has the essential information you need.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is available when a health condition is no longer responding to curative treatment methods and life expectancy is 6 months or less. Treatment turns to palliative care to keep the person comfortable and to ensure the greatest possible quality of life. Medicare and most private insurance cover the cost for hospice care, which includes:
- Physician and nursing care
- Medical equipment and supplies
- 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 members of the family
- And other services as recommended by the hospice care team
Home Care
Non-medical home care services, like those offered by Compassionate Nursing Services, complement hospice care services by filling any gaps in care needs, such as:
- Companionship
- Errand running
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Respite for family caregivers
- And much more
It is vital for somebody to be with the individual receiving hospice care 24/7, and to have one person specified as the main care provider. This person is normally a member of the family or a friend who will keep track of symptoms and issues as well as provide the majority of the physical care the individual needs. However, the main care provider can’t (and really should not attempt to) do it all on their own. This is where home care can help.
An in-home care provider can be available for as much help as families need, any time of day. They can also lessen some of the stress the main caregiver and other family members are dealing with by taking care of the daily needs around the home that are still necessary. This collaboration allows families to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones, to get the rest they need, and to look after their own personal needs.
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 experts in at home care in St. Louis and the nearby areas are here to help you obtain any benefits for which you may be qualified to cover home and hospice care services. Give us a call at 314‑432‑4312 for a free in-home assessment to acquire more information.