Hospice - A Choice Worth Considering (You Might be Surprised by What You Don't Know)

Hospice - A Choice Worth Considering (You Might be Surprised by What You Don't Know)

To the surprise of many people, hospice - a word often associated with death and dying - is really about quality of life. Hospice strives to honor an individual's values, beliefs, and wishes until life's journey ends. Whether due to unfavorable perceptions or inaccurate information, it is estimated that more than 50 percent of the people who may qualify for hospice never give it consideration. Hospice is a choice worth considering. And, by the way - it's FREE.

Hospice and palliative care are often thought to be one and the same. While similar, the services are actually different. The following provides information that highlights the differences between hospice care and palliative care.

Payment:

HOSPICE CARE is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, so there is no cost to the individual or family for the covered services. Most private health insurance plans specify hospice as a covered benefit and cover the costs directly related to hospice care-limitations and co-payments may apply.

PALLIATIVE CARE is offered as routine medical care and, depending on the treatment, may or may not be covered by health insurance.

Philosophy:

HOSPICE CARE provides medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual support to meet the expressed wishes and needs of individuals and their families.

PALLIATIVE CARE focuses on treating the symptoms and the pain of an individual/ patient.

Prognosis:

In order to receive HOSPICE CARE, a physician must "certify" that a person meets the Medicare eligibility guidelines. Eligibility criteria suggest a person's future is likely to be measured in months or weeks, but not in years. There are specific criteria for cancer, dementia, failure to thrive, heart disease, renal disease, stroke, and more.

Anyone is eligible to receive PALLIATIVE CARE regardless of life expectancy.

Provider:

States have licensure requirements that must be met by an organization before providing HOSPICE CARE.

No special licensure is required for PALLIATIVE CARE. Palliative care is most often provided in acute care hospitals.

Hospice care strives to provide comfort by minimizing suffering from pain and maximizing quality of life. It is an approach to caring for people who are terminally ill or have a life-limiting medical condition. When the normal course of an illness suggests that a person has a limited life expectancy and the eligibility criteria are met, hospice care becomes an option.

Hospice care can be provided at a private residence, a nursing home, a hospital or an inpatient hospice center. Upon referral by a physician, an individual is then eligible to receive hospice care for up to six months. If a person continues to receive hospice care

beyond six months, a physician can re-certify the person's condition and benefits continue.

HOME HELPERS services address many of the considerations and competencies referred to above. Our non-medical and personal care services are similar to what is often provided by family members and are designed to help people maintain their independence and avoid isolation.

Care services include general assistance, companionship, help with transportation, errands, plus much more. Services can be provided anywhere a family needs them.in the home, hospital, rehabilitation center, nursing home, retirement community, etc. To learn more about Home Helpers, or to locate a Home Helpers office in your area, visit our website www.HomeHelpers.CC (as in Conscientious Caregivers) or call 203-364-1160 for assistance.

To subscribe to our complimentary series about Caregiver Concerns, go to www.homehelpersct.com. We're very happy to share them with you at no cost or obligation to you.

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