senior lady with caregivers

When a loved one is nearing the end of life, comfort level and top quality care are paramount. Families need to know that the person they love will receive everything required for a peaceful transition. Hospice care is indispensable during this period, and coupling hospice with home care services ensures that both the person receiving care and members of the family have all of the bases covered. The combination of both types of services allows families to simply concentrate on being together.

There’s often some confusion about what care needs each these services address, as well as how much they cost. Absolute Companion Care, the experts in home care in Sparks, MD and nearby areas have the important information you need.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is offered when a health condition is no longer responding to curative treatment options and life expectancy is 6 months or less. Treatment moves on to palliative methods in order to keep the person comfortable and to ensure the greatest possible quality of life. Medicare and most private insurance cover the cost for hospice care, which includes:

  • Physician and nursing care
  • Medical supplies and equipment
  • Treatments for pain and symptom management
  • Physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy services
  • Social services
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Spiritual/grief counseling for both the person receiving care and family members
  • And other services as recommended by the hospice care team

Home Care

Non-medical in-home care services, like those provided by Absolute Companion Care, complement hospice care services by filling any gaps in care needs, such as:

  • Companionship
  • Errand running
  • Preparing meals
  • Laundry and housekeeping
  • Respite for family caregivers
  • And much more

It’s vital for someone to be with the patient receiving hospice care at all times, and to have one person specified as the primary caregiver. This person is usually a relative or friend who will keep track of symptoms and issues as well as provide the majority of the physical care the person needs. However, the principal caregiver cannot (and should not attempt to) do it all on their own. This is where in-home care is very useful.

An in-home caregiver can be available for as much help as families need, any time of day. They can also lessen some of the stress the primary caregiver and other family members are experiencing by taking care of the daily needs within the home that are necessary. This partnership allows families to concentrate on spending quality time with each other, to get the rest they need, and to take care of their own personal obligations.

As opposed to hospice care, home care costs are covered privately. There are a number of different options available, including:

  • Out of pocket
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Veterans’ Aid & Attendance

Our home care experts in Sparks and surrounding areas are here to help you receive any benefits for which you might be qualified to fund home care services. Contact us at 410-357-9640 for a cost-free in-home consultation to learn more.