Home Health Care (VNA) & Hospice

How long does home care last?

There is no set length of time for home care—it is different for every individual based on one’s diagnosis and medical needs. Some home care services may last for a few weeks, while others may last much longer. The home care agency will work closely with your physician to determine the appropriate length of time that services are provided.

How do people pay for home care?

There are many different ways people pay for their home care costs. Most services are covered by your insurance, or by Medicare or Medicaid. Some Veteran’s benefits also cover the cost of homecare. If you don’t have insurance, services can be paid for directly by the person receiving care, which is commonly referred to as “private pay.”

Most home care agencies have Intake Specialists who can help you determine which services are allowed and/or covered by your insurance.

Why would somebody use home care?

Home care allows you to recover from an illness, medical event, or surgery without having to give up the comforts of your own home. Home care referrals can be made after a hospital stay or after a visit with your physician.

Being in a comfortable and familiar environment aids in healing; being able to receive care in your own home helps with recovery.

Who is eligible for hospice?

Hospice provides services to individuals wo are diagnosed with any life limiting illness and who have a life expectancy of six months or less based on a physician’s best judgment. This includes, but is not limited to, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, heart and liver diseases, cancer, COPD and other lung conditions, ALS, Parkinson’s, and many other conditions related to end-of-life.

How is Hospice paid for?

Hospice services, including medical equipment and medications for a terminal diagnosis and related conditions, are covered under the Medicare and Medicaid Hospice Benefits. Most private insurance plans also offer a hospice benefit. Most hospice agencies have an Intake Specialist who can help you determine if your insurance plan includes a hospice benefit.

When is the right time to consider hospice?

Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for patients and their family members to fully understand their care options. Having a discussion early on allows the patient the opportunity to share their wishes, priorities and goals. When you learn more about hospice care early on, it can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice is needed. Instead, patients can make an educated decision that includes the advice and input of family members and loved ones.

Does hospice speed up death?

Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the process of dying. Hospice care manages symptoms and discomfort for the best quality of life and to minimize suffering. Choosing hospice does not mean death is imminent. Hospice care neither hastens death nor prolongs life but instead allows for a better quality of life.

Will someone from hospice be with the patient 24 hours a day?

A Hospice registered nurse is available via telephone 24 hours a day. Hospice staff members do not stay with the patient 24 hours a day. Hospice patients should have a primary caregiver, usually a loved one. Our team works closely with family members and loved ones to educate and guide them as caregivers. The members of the hospice team visit the patient and family at a frequency determined by the needs of the patient and family.