Frequently Asked Questions
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Home Health Care
We are a home healthcare service that provides staff and management guidance for the care of a loved one at home. Our award-winning service can provide the best care possible for your loved one and your family during the home healthcare period.
What is home healthcare?
Defined broadly as healthcare services that are given at home, home healthcare is a less expensive and convenient option for many patients facing a chronic illness or recovering from injury.
If I’m on Medicare, is my home healthcare covered?
Possibly. The conditions for Medicare patients to be covered for home care services are that they are under the care of a doctor and your services are part of a plan of care that is both established and reviewed by a doctor. In addition, a doctor must certify that you require home healthcare.
Who will manage my treatment at home?
Our staff of nurses, licensed by the State of California, will supervise your care, while working closely with our physicians. In addition to state licensing, all of our RNs and LVNs are Medicare-certified and fully accredited by the America Nurses Association (ANA), an organization that sets the standards for nursing practice. In addition, our nurses work closely with your case manager to coordinate everything you need for your care.
What if I have questions when the nurse isn’t here?
Our nurses are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions or to help you if the management of the condition for the patient has changed. Also, our nurses are committed to both educating the family on how to better manage the care of their loved one as well as promoting as much self-care for the patient as possible to help you feel more comfortable when they are not physically present with your family.
What are my rights as a home health patient?
You have many rights as a home healthcare patient. All home health agencies are required to give you a copy of these rights. You have the right to choose your home health agency (although those with managed care plans will be provided a home health agency that works with your plan). You also must be given a copy of your care plan and be able to participate in decisions about your care, or have your family or guardian act for you in the case that you are unable. In addition, you have the right to have your property treated with respect.
Hospice Care
This set of frequently asked questions may provide you with the answers you’re looking for. If you don’t find your question listed, please call us to speak with an admissions representative.
What is hospice?
Hospice is a comprehensive service provided for patients and families who are facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness. Designed for comfort, rather than curative treatment, hospice allows patients to remain in their own home, or wherever they call home, including assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, board and care facilities and even hospitals. The hospice team is available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who is eligible for hospice palliative care?
To be admitted to the hospice program, a patient must meet the criteria noted on the Eligibility Guidelines. In general, any patient who is diagnosed with a having a limited life expectancy is eligible. All U.S. citizens age 65 and older are entitled to Medicare coverage for the hospice benefit if clinically eligible.
When should a patient be referred to hospice?
To give our team the best opportunity to establish rapport and intervene effectively, we recommend referring the patient as soon as possible after the patient/family has been informed of the prognosis.
Who pays for hospice care?
Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal and most major private insurance providers pay for hospice care. If a patient does not have any payment support from insurance, then he or she may pay all or part of the bill personally. The important thing to remember is that no one is denied service because of an inability to pay.
Can I choose my hospice provider?
You have the RIGHT to choose your own hospice provider, and that right to choose is protected by federal law. Can I receive hospice care in an assisted living, nursing or other long-term care facility?
Yes. In addition to serving you in the home, hospice can provide services wherever you live.
What is the admission procedure?
Anyone — including the patient, family member or physician — may make the initial request for service by calling (800) 651-5506. The admissions RN will visit the patient, usually the same day. The patient’s vital information is recorded and, if necessary, the patient’s physician will be contacted for orders and permission to admit the patient to the hospice program.
How long will it take to see someone?
An initial visit where the patient’s condition and needs are assessed is usually made within 24 hours of the referral. In addition, the registered nurse (RN) will explain hospice services in more detail, explain the role of the other team members who will be visiting, and answer any questions the patient or family may have. If needed, this meeting can happen the same day as the initial visit.
Does hospice cover medication?
The hospice benefit covers all medications related to the hospice diagnosis. When you are admitted to hospice care, there will be a reason, or a diagnosis, for why you are eligible for care. If medications are related to the pain and symptom management of that diagnosis, hospice will cover the cost of those medications.
Should I wait for the physician to recommend hospice, or should I ask if hospice care is appropriate?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care with their physician at any time. If the patient is an appropriate candidate for hospice care, the patient’s physician may choose to follow the patient and remain actively involved in the plan of care.
Can a hospice patient showing signs of recovery return to regular medical treatment?
Absolutely! If a patient‘s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient will be discharged from service, free to resume aggressive therapy and return to their daily life. If the patient’s condition later changes, Medicare, as well as most insurance providers, will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
Does electing hospice mean surrendering hope?
Choosing hospice care doesn’t mean giving up hope. It means you are opting for comfort and symptom management, thereby allowing you to regain control of your life.
What if I change my mind about hospice care?
Hospice is a choice. Patients may choose to discontinue service at any time. How long can I receive care?
Patients can receive care indefinitely as long as their condition remains appropriate for hospice care.
Is there any special equipment I need to have hospice care in my home?
Your case manager will work with you upon admission to assess your needs and help with obtaining any necessary medical equipment. Your needs will be reassessed throughout the continuum of care.
Who makes up the hospice team?
Coordinated patient care is composed of a variety of disciplines working together with the family to provide care in the home, or wherever the patient calls home. The team includes, but is not limited to, the following disciplines:
- The medical director serves as consultant to staff and referring physicians, attends team meetings and oversees the medical aspects of the hospice program.
- The registered nurse (RN) is the team leader and performs the initial assessment. The RN monitors the patient’s condition, reporting changes and problems to the physician. After the initial assessment, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) may perform many of the same tasks as the RN.
- The medical social worker (MSW) provides psychosocial support for the patient, the family and the hospice staff. The MSW also assists with community referrals and financial concerns.
- The home health aide provides personal care of the patient, such as bathing, shampooing the hair or changing the linens.
- Chaplains are an important part of the hospice team and provide emotional and spiritual care support for the patients and their families. Chaplains, along with the bereavement team, can be an excellent resource for helping with funeral planning or a DVD life tribute.
- Hospice volunteers help patients and families, just as a friend might, by assisting with household tasks, running errands, telephoning or visiting. They are a Medicare-mandated member of the team and invaluable to the care of each and every hospice patient.
Is hospice related to a certain religious group?
No, hospice originally dates back to medieval times when it was a place for weary travelers to find shelter and temporary respite. The word “hospice” comes from the Latin words “hospes” meaning host and “hospitium” meaning hospitality. Today, hospice is recognized as a program of palliative (comfort rather than curative) care and support designed to meet the unique needs of patients and families facing limited life expectancy. Services are provided through a medically directed team of professionals.
Palliative Care
What is palliative medicine?
Palliative medicine is a medical subspecialty provided by doctors who offer palliative care for people who are seriously ill. Palliative care relieves suffering and improves quality of life for people of any age and at any stage in a serious illness, whether that illness is curable, chronic, or life-threatening.
What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Palliative care is whole-person care that relieves symptoms of a disease or disorder, whether or not it can be cured. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for people who likely have 6 months or less to live. In other words, hospice care is always palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice care. Hospice is comfort care without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. Palliative care is comfort care with or without curative intent.
What is the eligibility for Palliative Care?
Palliative care is begun at the discretion of the physician and patient at any time, at any stage of illness, terminal or not.
- Your prognosis must be greater than 6 months
- You are not identified by your doctor as terminally ill
- You or your family is not emotionally ready for hospice
- You want aggressive oriented treatment
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care is provided by an interdisciplinary team that may include a doctor who specializes in palliative medicine, a nurse, pharmacist, social worker, dietitian, and volunteers. They address physical, emotional and spiritual pain, including such common worries as loss of independence, the well-being of the family and feeling like a burden.
What does a palliative doctor do that’s different from what my other doctors do?
Your other doctors focus on your general health or treating your disease or condition. Palliative doctors concentrate on preventing and alleviating suffering, improving your quality of life, and helping you and your loved ones cope with the stress and burden of your illness.
Shouldn’t all my doctors be concerned with alleviating my suffering and improving my quality of life?
Yes. Palliative doctors have special training and expertise in pain management and symptom control, and specialize in helping patients and their families cope with the many burdens of a serious illness, from the side effects of a medical treatment to caregiver stress to fears about the future. Palliative doctors can assist you with difficult medical decisions, helping you weigh the pros and cons of various treatments.
If I receive palliative or hospice care, will I still be able to see my personal doctor?
Absolutely. Your palliative doctor coordinates care with your other doctors and helps you navigate the often-complex healthcare system.
Is it true that once you enter a hospice program, you must stay in hospice care until you die?
No. Insurers and Medicaid agencies will provide coverage for hospice care if your doctors determine you likely have 6 months (in some cases a year) or less to live if your illness follows its normal course. However, it is your own choice to enter or leave hospice care. If your illness improves or you wish to seek curative treatment, you may leave hospice care, returning if and when you choose to.
If I agree to palliative care, does that mean I’m “giving up?”
Not at all. The goal of palliative care is to make you comfortable and help you achieve the best possible quality of life. You can have palliative care while you are undergoing treatments that may cure or reverse the effects of your illness. In fact, palliative care can help you cope with aggressive treatments by getting your pain and symptoms under control to help you fight the disease.
How can I find palliative care?
Palliative care can be provided at a hospital, a nursing home, an assisted-living facility, or at home. There are a number of ways to find a doctor who specializes in palliative medicine, including asking your personal doctor to refer you to a palliative doctor or asking your local hospital if they have a palliative specialist.
How do I know that I’m receiving the most beneficial or appropriate treatment?
Palliative doctors are concerned about you as a whole person—not just the part of you that is sick. They understand that people with serious illnesses can be frightened and unsure of themselves when making medical decisions. They also understand that there is not always one right or wrong answer and that your needs and wishes may change over time. Palliative doctors consider all of this when they help you develop your treatment plan.
Does insurance cover palliative care or hospice?
Many private insurance companies and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offer palliative care and hospice benefits. Medicare (mostly for people 65 and older) offers hospice benefits, and the extra Medicare plan (Part B) offers some palliative care benefits. Medicaid coverage of hospice and palliative care for people of limited incomes varies by state.
Is there any special equipment I need to have hospice care in my home?
Your case manager will work with you upon admission to assess your needs and help with obtaining any necessary medical equipment. Your needs will be reassessed throughout the continuum of care.
Who makes up the hospice team?
Coordinated patient care is composed of a variety of disciplines working together with the family to provide care in the home, or wherever the patient calls home. The team includes, but is not limited to, the following disciplines:
- The medical director serves as consultant to staff and referring physicians, attends team meetings and oversees the medical aspects of the hospice program.
- The registered nurse (RN) is the team leader and performs the initial assessment. The RN monitors the patient’s condition, reporting changes and problems to the physician. After the initial assessment, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) may perform many of the same tasks as the RN.
- The medical social worker (MSW) provides psychosocial support for the patient, the family and the hospice staff. The MSW also assists with community referrals and financial concerns.
- The home health aide provides personal care of the patient, such as bathing, shampooing the hair or changing the linens.
- Chaplains are an important part of the hospice team and provide emotional and spiritual care support for the patients and their families. Chaplains, along with the bereavement team, can be an excellent resource for helping with funeral planning or a DVD life tribute.
- Hospice volunteers help patients and families, just as a friend might, by assisting with household tasks, running errands, telephoning or visiting. They are a Medicare-mandated member of the team and invaluable to the care of each and every hospice patient.
Is hospice related to a certain religious group?
No, hospice originally dates back to medieval times when it was a place for weary travelers to find shelter and temporary respite. The word “hospice” comes from the Latin words “hospes” meaning host and “hospitium” meaning hospitality. Today, hospice is recognized as a program of palliative (comfort rather than curative) care and support designed to meet the unique needs of patients and families facing limited life expectancy. Services are provided through a medically directed team of professionals.