Services in the home are divided into three kinds. Which service you choose depends on the level of training needed in the staff. Requirements set by Medicare may also determine which type of service will be covered.
Home Health Care. This service is provided by nurses and other medical professionals.
Home Care. This service is provided by uncertified staff.
Hospice Care. This service is specifically for persons with a life-limiting condition. Services are provided by nurses and other medical professionals.
Home Health Care is skilled medical care to help an individual regain their health.
Typically, home health care is used following a hospitalization or surgery. The role of the staff is to help homebound patients with a complicated medical condition that can be managed or improved. A doctor’s order is required.
Home health care is short-term care. It normally involves a few visits over several weeks. For instance, a registered nurse, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist may make hour-long visits once or twice a week. Although the doctor orders home health care, you have a choice as to which provider you hire.
Home health care is generally covered by Medicare or other health insurance.
Home Care is nonmedical care to help a person remain in their own home.
There is no need for a doctor’s order. Nonmedical home care includes:
- personal care (such as bathing and toileting);
- dressing and undressing;
- fixing meals;
- assisting with walking;
- transferring in and out of a chair or bed;
- light housework;
- transportation;
- visiting and companionship.
Nonmedical care does not mean the person lacks skills. The individual caring for your family member needs to have an understanding of the basics of elder care. Although certification is not necessary, many in-home care providers are former certified nursing assistants or home health aides. They gained their initial training and experience in a nursing home. Now they prefer to work one-on-one with clients.
Nonmedical care at home can be vital to keeping your parent independent and safe. Unfortunately, health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover nonmedical care. If your family member has long-term care insurance, nonmedical home care may be covered. Check your family member’s policy for details.
Some nonmedical home care may be available for persons with low income. If your parent is on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), contact the local Area Agency on Aging. The state Medicaid office or local Veterans’ Service office may also be able to help.
Hospice Care is skilled medical care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
Like home health care, hospice involves weekly hour-long visits from a team of medical professionals. Both the patient and the family have access to the team’s support services. A doctor must recommend hospice based on a diagnosis of an incurable condition. In addition, the doctor must estimate that the patient has six months or less to live.
Hospice care emphasizes quality of life. The focus is on keeping the
patient comfortable emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. Nurses and physicians help manage difficult symptoms (pain, nausea, and fatigue). Social workers and chaplains assist with emotional and spiritual issues (anxiety and depression). Nurse’s aides come several times a week to bathe and groom the patient. And a volunteer is available to give family members a few hours off each week.
Most people wish they had received the support of hospice earlier in their condition.
Patients on hospice understand that their condition does not have a cure. They are willing to forego curative care. Instead, they wish to focus on improving the quality of the weeks and months that remain to them. Most people think of hospice in terms of a cancer diagnosis. In fact, hospice can provide powerful support for individuals with other incurable conditions, such as COPD, congestive heart failure, and advanced dementia.
Hospice care is covered 100% by Medicare.
If you think your loved one has a life-limiting disease, ask the doctor if hospice is appropriate. If so, you have a choice of hospice providers in your community
Agape Care is a Pennsylvania state licensed, non-medical agency providing home care services for seniors, veterans, the disabled, as well as individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, intellectual disabilities, and long-term illness. We offer free care evaluations as well as referrals to community supports in Lancaster County, PA. Contact us at 717-393-7308.
