The familiar comforts of home, family and friends are of immeasurable worth when the end of life is near. That’s the idea behind hospice care at home – and for Philadelphia residents who meet the eligibility criteria, most or all of the costs are covered by Medicare, Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program or private insurance.
People often associate hospice with sorrow and death, but it’s really about living every day as fully as possible. A team of skilled professionals provides medical, emotional and spiritual support, doing whatever they can to make the end-of-life journey more joyful. Hospice patients are able to spend more time with their families, and being comfortable and free of pain, they’re able to enjoy more of the things they love to do. In all honesty, in-home hospice care can be a blessing for everyone involved.
Could a loved one in Philadelphia benefit from hospice care? Take a look at the answers to the questions we hear most often, and you’ll be in a better position to make that decision.
What Does Hospice Care at Home Involve?
Hospice encompasses a broad range of care services, delivered by a diverse team of specialists that may include nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, bereavement counselors, chaplains and trained volunteers.
As the name suggests, these services are provided in the home, with members of the hospice care team stopping by for regular visits. However, patients can receive the care they need wherever they are living — it doesn’t have to be a private dwelling. Remaining in familiar surroundings allows for the highest degree of patient comfort, and that’s exactly what hospice aims to provide.
That being said, hospice doesn’t typically involve around-the-clock professional attention. While the services of a Philadelphia hospice agency offer a great deal of support, most of the day-to-day care for a patient is provided by their family and friends.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care at Home in Philadelphia?
For in-home hospice care to be covered by Medicare, Medical Assistance or private insurance, Philadelphia residents have to meet certain requirements. In order to be eligible, a patient must:
- Be certified as terminally ill by a qualified doctor
- Have a prognosis of six months or less, if the illness runs its normal course
In addition, the individual must decide to forgo further curative or life-prolonging treatment and instead receive services geared toward comfort and quality of life. Also, to qualify for coverage, services must be provided by a Medicare-certified hospice agency.
What Services Do Philadelphia Hospice Agencies Provide?
In-home hospice care services are personalized, so the frequency and type of scheduled visits differ from one patient to the next. A hospice nurse generally completes the initial assessment, then creates a plan of care to control pain, manage symptoms and provide comfort while supporting the goals of the individual and the family. Whenever necessary, the care plan is modified to address concerns and help the patient live more comfortably.
With a Medicare-certified hospice agency in Philadelphia, the types of services terminally ill individuals and their families may receive include:
- Pain and symptom management, allowing patients to remain in control and enjoy their remaining time
- Specialized therapies, such as massage, animal and music therapy, to ease patient suffering
- Respite care, with patients staying at a local facility to give family caregivers a break from caregiving
- Spiritual care, with compassionate hospice chaplains providing support to people of all faith backgrounds
- Grief counseling and bereavement care to those having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one
The hospice care team also arranges for the delivery of medications and medical supplies and sets up any in-home medical equipment the patient needs. Philadelphia hospice agency staff coordinate all services provided and act as a liaison between patients, their families and the care team, providing updates and keeping everyone informed. In doing so, continuity of care is ensured as a patient’s needs change.
How Do You Go About Arranging for Hospice Care at Home?
If you’re looking into hospice care services for a loved one, you don’t need to start with their doctor. While a physician must certify that they are terminally ill and have a limited life expectancy for services to be covered, anyone can contact a Medicare-certified hospice agency – like Suncrest — that serves patients in the Philadelphia area.
From there, a consultation is called for, during which your loved one will be evaluated in terms of need. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate, too, and afterwards, the hospice nurse will establish an appropriate plan of care. When services begin, the hospice agency staff will make sure that the plan is implemented as ordered.
Do you have other questions? The Suncrest team would be happy to provide you with answers, and we’re ready to help ensure that your loved one enjoys the final chapter of life. To schedule a consultation to discuss hospice care at home, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, today.
