There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what hospice care is and how it works.
So, we’re here to clear things up for you in a short and sweet article all about hospice care.
Let’s get right to it.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a type of at-home care. Instead of staying in a medical ward, patients who opt for hospice care are able to stay in the comfort of their homes. So, seniors can live happily with the places and things they are familiar with.
However, hospice care has a slightly different philosophy than other types of medical care. Rather than focusing on a cure, hospice care focuses on improving patients’ quality of life. This is an extremely important distinction to note. The attention given through hospice care will not necessarily to cure a patient. But, will work to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Hospice care is about making the best of the life that you have.
What kind of services are offered with hospice care?
With hospice care, patients get almost the same services as regular at-home care. Just with a different motive.
When patients sign up with a professional health care agency, there are a lot of services to choose from. Patients can request care from:
- Physicians
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Certified nursing assistants
- Social workers
- Hospice volunteers
Who is hospice care for?
Hospice care is for seniors who have been diagnosed as terminally ill by their doctors.
Patients generally choose to live out their days with hospice care when they are ready to take a step back from all the treatments, and just enjoy the life they have left. To focus on the present moments and make the best of memories with family and friends.
And, it’s important to remember that if patients ever want to go back to their regular medical treatments, they are always welcome to do so. Hospice care is not a be all and end all decision.
How much does hospice care cost?
Hospice care can get a little pricey. The more terminal the illness, the more attention a patient might require, and the more money it may cost to hire a professional hospice care aide.
That being said, there are ways to reduce the cost of hospice care. The main way being, applying for financial aid. Many insurance companies including Medicare, Medicaid, and other private companies offer hospice care coverage.
How do I apply for hospice care financial aid?
The best way is to call up your insurance and speak with them directly about which hospice care services they do and don’t cover.
At Aurora Home Care and Hospice, we help our patients through the process of insurance approval and coverage. So, you don’t have to deal with all the bureaucracy on your own. Feel free to look on our website for an extensive list of insurance companies that we accept.
Or, give us a call at Hospice: 215-396-8822.
And, one of our experienced staff members will be happy to direct you through the process.
