When a loved one is nearing end of life, home care can supplement hospice care to relieve stress and create more time for families to be together.
When someone is approaching the end of life, comfort and quality care are paramount. Families must know that the individual they love will receive everything needed for a peaceful transition. Hospice care is very helpful during this time, and home care supplements hospice to ensure that both the person receiving care and family members have all of the bases covered. The combination of both services allows families to simply concentrate on being together.
There are often some misconceptions about what both of these services cover, and how much they cost. Anthem Home Care, a provider of professional home care in Taft, TX and the surrounding areas, has the important information you need.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is available when a disease is no longer responding to curative treatment methods and life expectancy is 6 months or less. Treatment is focused on palliative strategies in order to keep the person comfortable and to ensure the highest possible quality of life. Medicare and many private insurance providers 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 counseling
- Spiritual/grief counseling for the person receiving care and family members
- And other services as advised by the hospice care team
Home Care
- Non-medical home care supplements hospice care services by filling any gaps in care needs, such as:
- Companionship
- Running errands
- Meal preparation
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Respite for family caregivers
- And more
It’s vital for someone to be with the patient receiving hospice care 24 hours a day, and to have one person designated as the main caregiver. This person is normally a family member or friend who will keep track of symptoms and concerns as well as provide the majority of the physical care the person needs. However, the main caregiver can’t (and really should not try to) do it 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 minimize some of the pressure the main caregiver and other members of the family are facing by taking care of the daily needs within the home that are necessary. This partnership 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.
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 home care in Taft, TX and the surrounding areas are here to help you get any benefits for which you might be qualified to cover home and hospice services. Contact us at 361-643-2323 for a cost-free in-home consultation for additional information.