Many People Prefer to Recover with Hospice Care

Key Takeaways

What is RecoveryValley View Los Angeles Hospice Care

Valley View Los Angeles Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice care differs from curative care, which aims to cure or prolong the patient’s life, by providing palliative care, which aims to relieve the suffering and improve the patient’s well-being.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), more than 1.5 million patients received hospice care in the United States in 2019, and more than 40% of all deaths in the country were under the care of a hospice program. Hospice care is not only for the dying but also for those who want to live as fully and comfortably as possible in the face of a severe illness.

Recovery is improving or restoring health, function, or well-being after an illness, injury, or treatment. Recovery can have different meanings and goals for different people, depending on their values, beliefs, expectations, and preferences. Recovery can also have different outcomes and indicators, such as survival, symptom relief, functional status, or quality of life.

Many people may think that hospice care and recovery are incompatible or contradictory, as hospice care is often associated with the end of life, and recovery is often associated with the beginning of life. However, this is not necessarily the case, as hospice care and recovery can coexist and complement each other in many ways.

This article’s primary purpose and thesis are to explore why many people prefer to recover with hospice care and to discuss the benefits, challenges, factors, and future of hospice care for recovery.

Benefits of Hospice Care for Recovery

Valley View Los Angeles Hospice care can have many benefits for recovery, as it can provide comfort, support, and dignity for the patient and their family and help them cope with the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

One of the main benefits of hospice care for recovery is that it can enhance the comfort and well-being of the patient by addressing their symptoms, pain, and medication management. Hospice care can provide expert advice and guidance on the appropriate use of medications, deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications, and drug interactions in palliative and hospice care. Hospice care can also provide various therapies and interventions, such as massage, acupuncture, music, aromatherapy, and pet therapy, to relieve the patient’s discomfort and distress.

Another benefit of hospice care for recovery is that it can enhance the dignity and autonomy of the patient by involving them in the care decisions and respecting their wishes. Valley View Hospice Los Angeles care can provide advanced care planning, which discusses and documents the patient’s goals, values, and preferences for future care, especially in a medical crisis or incapacity. Hospice care can also provide palliative sedation, which is the use of medications to induce a state of reduced consciousness or unconsciousness in the patient to relieve their refractory symptoms or suffering when other measures have failed or are not acceptable to the patient.

A third benefit of hospice care for recovery is that it can enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of infection by providing adequate nutrition and hydration and preventing or treating malnutrition and dehydration. Valley View Los Angeles Hospice care can provide meal preparation and diet planning, which can help the patient cope with changes in appetite, taste, digestion, and medication side effects that may affect their food intake and tolerance, and provide adequate nutrition to maintain their strength, energy, and immune system. Hospice care can also provide fluid therapy, which can help the patient cope with common symptoms such as nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and loss of appetite, and prevent or treat dehydration, which can lead to complications such as kidney failure, seizures, and coma.

A fourth benefit of hospice care for recovery is that it can enhance wound healing and tissue repair by providing wound care and pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Valley View Hospice care can provide wound care, which can help the patient cope with wounds that may result from surgery, injury, infection, or disease and prevent or treat complications such as infection, bleeding, pain, and scarring. Hospice care can also provide pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, which can help the patient cope with pressure ulcers that may result from prolonged immobility, friction, or shear and prevent or treat complications such as infection, pain, and sepsis.

The following table summarizes some of the benefits of hospice care for recovery:

Challenges of Hospice Care for Recovery

Hospice care can also have some challenges for recovery, as it can face common misconceptions and barriers and have to deal with ethical, legal, and practical issues.

One of the main challenges of hospice care for recovery is that it can face some common misconceptions and barriers that prevent some people from choosing hospice care, such as:

• Hospice care is only for the dying, and choosing hospice care means giving up or losing hope.
• Hospice care is only for cancer patients, and other diseases or conditions are not eligible for hospice care.
• Hospice care is expensive and not covered by insurance or other funding sources.
• Hospice care is unavailable or accessible in some areas or settings or not culturally appropriate or acceptable for some groups or communities.
• Hospice care is incompatible or consistent with the patient’s or the family’s values, beliefs, or preferences.

These misconceptions and barriers can be overcome by providing accurate and timely information and education, addressing the patients’ and the families’ concerns and fears, and offering various options and alternatives for hospice care.

Another challenge of hospice care for recovery is that it can have to deal with some ethical, legal, and practical issues, such as:

• Eligibility criteria and reimbursement policies for hospice care may vary by state, insurer, or provider and may limit the access and availability of hospice care for some patients.
• Continuity of care and coordination of services for hospice patients, which may be disrupted or compromised by changes in the patient’s condition, prognosis, or location or by transitions between different levels or settings of care.
• Communication and documentation of the patient’s goals, values, and preferences for end-of-life care may be complex or challenging due to the patient’s cognitive impairment, language barrier, cultural difference, or lack of advance directives or surrogate decision-makers.
• Quality and safety of hospice care may be affected by the patient’s complex and changing needs, the provider’s limited resources and training, or the lack of standardized guidelines and protocols.

These issues can be addressed by improving the policies and regulations, enhancing collaboration and integration, facilitating communication and documentation, and ensuring the quality and safety of hospice care.

The following list shows some of the challenges of hospice care for recovery:

• Common misconceptions and barriers that prevent some people from choosing hospice care
• Eligibility criteria and reimbursement policies for hospice care
• Continuity of care

Factors that Influence Hospice Care Recovery

Various factors, such as disease progression, treatment response, and individual differences, can influence hospice care recovery. These factors can affect the likelihood, duration, and extent of recovery or improvement for hospice patients.

One main factor influencing hospice care recovery is disease progression, which is the course and outcome of the patient’s illness. Disease progression can vary by the type, stage, and severity of the illness and the presence or absence of other conditions or complications. Disease progression can affect the patient’s prognosis, which is the expected or predicted outcome of the illness, and the patient’s life expectancy, which is the estimated or average time the patient is expected to live.

Some illnesses may have a predictable or stable disease progression, such as some types of cancer, which may follow a certain pattern or timeline of growth, spread, and response to treatment. Other illnesses may have an unpredictable or variable disease progression, such as some types of dementia, which may have different rates and patterns of cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and functional impairment. Disease progression can affect the patient’s recovery or improvement, as some illnesses may have a higher or lower chance of recovery or improvement or a faster or slower rate of recovery or improvement than others.

Another factor influencing hospice care recovery is treatment response, which is the effect or outcome of the patient’s treatment. Treatment response can vary by the treatment type, mode, and intensity and by the patient’s adherence, tolerance, and resistance to the treatment. Treatment response can affect the patient’s recovery or improvement, as some treatments may positively or negatively impact the patient’s symptoms, pain, function, or quality of life.

Some treatments may have a curative or palliative intent, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, which may aim to cure or control the illness or to relieve the symptoms or complications of the illness. Other treatments, such as nutrition, hydration, or fluid therapy, may have a supportive or complementary intent to support or enhance the patient’s health, well-being, or comfort. Treatment response can affect the patient’s recovery or improvement, as some treatments may have a higher or lower effectiveness or efficacy or a higher or lower risk or harm than others.

A third factor that influences hospice care recovery is individual differences, which are the patient’s personal or unique characteristics or attributes. Individual differences can vary by the patient’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, education, occupation, lifestyle, personality, values, beliefs, preferences, expectations, and goals. Individual differences can affect the patient’s recovery or improvement, as some patients may have different meanings and goals of recovery or improvement or different coping styles and strategies than others.

Some patients may have a holistic or comprehensive view of recovery or improvement, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Other patients may have a specific or focused view of recovery or improvement, including one or a few aspects of well-being, such as survival, symptom relief, or functional status. Individual differences can affect the patient’s recovery or improvement, as some patients may have a higher or lower motivation or readiness or a higher or lower satisfaction or acceptance of recovery or improvement than others.

The following table summarizes some of the factors that influence hospice care recovery:

Future of Hospice Care for Recovery

Hospice care recovery can have a bright and promising future, as current trends and innovations in hospice care, such as telehealth, palliative care, and deprescribing, may enhance the recovery or improvement of hospice patients. These trends and innovations can improve the quality and accessibility of hospice care and provide more options and alternatives for hospice care.

One of the current trends and innovations in hospice care for recovery is telehealth, which uses information and communication technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely. Telehealth can include telemedicine, which uses video, audio, or text to provide diagnosis, consultation, or treatment to the patient, and telemonitoring, which uses devices or sensors to monitor the patient’s vital signs, symptoms, or behaviors. Telehealth can also include teleeducation and online platforms or applications to provide information, education, or training to the patient, their family, or the hospice care staff.

Telehealth can have many benefits for hospice care recovery, such as:

• Increasing the access and availability of hospice care, especially for patients who live in rural or remote areas or have mobility or transportation issues.
• Reducing the cost and burden of hospice care, especially for patients with limited resources or insurance coverage or complex or frequent needs.
• Enhancing the communication and coordination of hospice care, especially for patients with multiple or interdisciplinary providers or who have transitions or changes in their care plan or services.
• Improving the quality and safety of hospice care, especially for patients with high-risk or emergent conditions or who need close or continuous monitoring or supervision.

Another current trend and innovation in hospice care for recovery is palliative care, which focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with severe or chronic illnesses and their families by relieving the symptoms, pain, and stress of the illness. Palliative care differs from hospice care, which is only for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, by providing care at any stage of the illness and is compatible with curative or life-prolonging treatments.

Palliative care can have many benefits for hospice care recovery, such as:

• Providing earlier and more comprehensive care for the patient, especially for patients with progressive or incurable illnesses or unmet or complex needs.
• Providing more options and alternatives for the patient, especially for patients who are not eligible or ready for hospice care or who want to continue or pursue curative or life-prolonging treatments.
• Providing more support and guidance for the patient and their family, especially for patients with complex or uncertain decisions or emotional or spiritual distress.
• Providing more evidence and research for hospice care, especially for patients with rare or understudied illnesses or limited or conflicting data.

A third current trend and innovation in hospice care for recovery is deprescribing, which is identifying and discontinuing medications that are no longer beneficial or may cause harm to the patient and communicating effectively with the patient and their family about the deprescribing process. Deprescribing differs from prescribing, which is initiating and continuing medications that are beneficial or necessary for the patient by providing a rational and systematic approach to reduce or stop the patient’s medication burden and involving the patient and their family in the medication decisions.

Deprescribing can have many benefits for hospice care recovery, such as:

• Improving the comfort and well-being of the patient, especially for patients who have multiple or inappropriate medications or who have adverse drug reactions or interactions.
• Improving the dignity and autonomy of the patient, especially for patients with preferences or goals that are not aligned with their medications or who have concerns or fears about their medications.
• Improving the immune system and infection of the patient, especially for patients who have medications that may suppress or impair their immune system or increase their risk of infection.
• Improving the wound healing and tissue repair of the patient, especially for patients with medications that may delay or interfere with their wound healing or tissue repair.

The following list shows some of the current trends and innovations in hospice care for recovery:

• Telehealth uses information and communication technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely.
• Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with severe or chronic illnesses and their families.
• Deprescribing is the process of identifying and discontinuing medications that are no longer beneficial or may cause harm to the patient.

They Offer Meal Preparation and Personal Care

Hospice care is a specialized type that provides comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice care aims to improve patient’s quality of life by relieving their pain and symptoms, addressing their emotional and spiritual needs, and offering practical assistance and guidance. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice facility, or other settings where the patient feels comfortable.

One of the most important aspects of hospice care is meal preparation and personal care services. These services are designed to help patients maintain their nutrition, hygiene, and comfort and respect their dignity and preferences. Hospice care providers are trained and experienced in providing meal preparation and personal care services to patients with different needs and challenges. In this article, we will discuss how hospice care providers offer meal preparation and personal care services and how these services can impact the quality of life of hospice patients.

Key Takeaways

• Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
• Hospice care providers offer meal preparation and personal care services to help patients maintain their nutrition, hygiene, and comfort and respect their dignity and preferences.
• Meal preparation and personal care services can improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of hospice patients and enhance their dignity, respect, and autonomy.
• Meal preparation and personal care services can also benefit the families and caregivers of hospice patients by reducing their stress and burden and allowing them to spend more quality time with their loved ones.

Meal Preparation Services

Nutrition and hydration are essential for hospice patients, as they can affect their health, comfort, and well-being. However, many hospice patients may have difficulty eating or drinking due to various factors, such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, chewing, or digesting food, medication side effects, or emotional distress. Therefore, hospice care providers offer meal preparation services to help patients meet their nutritional and hydration needs and preferences.

Meal preparation services involve the following steps:

• Assessing each patient’s dietary needs and preferences, taking into account their medical condition, allergies, intolerances, religious or cultural beliefs, and personal likes and dislikes.
• Planning and preparing meals and snacks that are suitable, appealing, and satisfying for the patient, using fresh, wholesome, and high-quality ingredients.
• Offering or preparing foods and fluids that are easy to swallow, chew, or digest, such as pureed, soft, or liquid, depending on the patient’s ability and comfort level.
• Providing or recommending supplements, vitamins, minerals, or other nutritional products to help patients meet their nutritional requirements, as advised by their doctor or dietitian.
• Monitor and record the patient’s food and fluid intake, weight, and other indicators of nutritional status, and report any changes or concerns to the hospice team.
• Educating and advising the patient and their family or caregivers on maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and coping with everyday eating or drinking problems, such as loss of appetite, nausea, or constipation.

The following table shows some examples of the types of foods and fluids that hospice care providers may offer or prepare for patients, depending on their needs and preferences:

Meal preparation services can benefit hospice patients in many ways, such as:

• Improving their physical health and comfort by providing them with the nutrients and fluids they need to prevent or treat malnutrition, dehydration, infections, wounds, or other complications.
• Improving their emotional and social well-being by providing them with the pleasure and satisfaction of eating and drinking and allowing them to enjoy their favorite foods and beverages or try new ones.
• Enhancing their dignity, respect, and autonomy by giving them choices and options and honoring their preferences and wishes.

Personal Care Services

Hygiene and comfort are also essential for hospice patients, as they can affect their health, self-esteem, and well-being. However, many hospice patients may have difficulty performing or completing activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, due to various factors, such as pain, fatigue, weakness, mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments, or medication side effects. Therefore, hospice care providers offer personal care services to help patients maintain their hygiene and comfort and respect their dignity and preferences.

Personal care services involve the following steps:

• Assessing each patient’s personal care needs and preferences, taking into account their medical condition, skin integrity, risk of infection, pressure ulcers, or other complications, and personal likes and dislikes.
• Assisting or performing personal care activities for the patient, such as bathing, showering, washing, drying, combing, shaving, brushing teeth, applying lotion, changing clothes, diapers, or pads, and using the toilet or bedpan.
• Using or providing personal care products and equipment that are suitable, safe, and comfortable for the patient, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, comb, towel, washcloth, sponge, bath mat, shower chair, toilet seat, bedpan, or urinal.
• Monitor and record the patient’s skin condition, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other health indicators, and report any changes or concerns to the hospice team.
• Educating and advising the patient and their family or caregivers on maintaining good hygiene and comfort level and preventing or treating common personal care problems, such as dry skin, rashes, infections, or pressure ulcers.

The following table shows some examples of the types of personal care products and equipment that hospice care providers may use or provide for patients, depending on their needs and preferences:

Personal care services can benefit hospice patients in many ways, such as:

• Improving their physical health and comfort by providing them with the hygiene and comfort measures they need to prevent or treat infections, wounds, or other complications and relieving their pain, itching, or discomfort.
• Improving their emotional and social well-being by giving them the self-esteem and confidence of being clean and comfortable and allowing them to express their personality and style through their personal care choices.
• Enhancing their dignity, respect, and autonomy by providing them privacy and discretion and honoring their preferences and wishes.

The Impact of Meal Preparation and Personal Care Services on Quality of Life

Meal preparation and personal care services are beneficial for the physical health and comfort of hospice patients and their emotional and social well-being. These services can positively impact the quality of life of hospice patients by providing them with opportunities to interact with hospice care providers, enjoy meaningful activities, and express their feelings and preferences.

Meal preparation and personal care services can improve the quality of life of hospice patients in the following ways:

• Providing them opportunities to interact with hospice care providers who offer companionship, conversation, listening, empathy, and support. Hospice care providers can also engage patients in reminiscence, storytelling, music, games, or other activities that stimulate their memory, cognition, and creativity.
• Providing them with opportunities to enjoy meaningful activities, such as eating and drinking, can give them a sense of purpose, pleasure, and satisfaction. Hospice care providers can also help patients celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or religious events, by preparing or providing festive foods, drinks, decorations, or gifts.
• Providing them with opportunities to express their feelings and preferences, such as their likes and dislikes, fears and hopes, regrets and gratitude, or wishes and goals. Hospice care providers can also help patients make decisions about their care, such as advance directives, living wills, or do-not-resuscitate orders, by providing them with information, guidance, and respect.

The following table shows some examples of how hospice care providers can interact with patients and families during meal preparation and personal care activities and how these interactions can improve the quality of life of hospice patients:

Meal preparation and personal care services can also benefit the families and caregivers of hospice patients by reducing their stress and burden and allowing them to spend more quality time with their loved ones. Families and caregivers can also participate in meal preparation and personal care activities by helping, watching, or learning from hospice care providers or by sharing their stories, memories, or emotions with them. Hospice care providers can also provide families and caregivers with education, guidance, support, and respite as they cope with the challenges and changes of caring for a hospice patient.

Considering Some Help at Home?

As you or your loved one get older, you may find it harder to do the things you used to do at home. You may have difficulty with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, or bathing. You may have safety concerns like falling, wandering, or forgetting to take your medications. You may feel isolated, lonely, or depressed. You may also experience caregiver stress if you care for a family member who needs assistance.

If you face these challenges, you may benefit from help at home. Help at home is a type of care that provides support and assistance in the comfort of your home. Help at home can improve your quality of life by helping you maintain your independence, health, and well-being. Help at home can also reduce stress and burden by giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

This article will discuss how to consider some help at home and what options are available for you. We will also cover the costs and coverage of help at home and how it can impact your quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Help at home is a type of care that provides support and assistance in the comfort of your home.
• Help at home can help you with daily activities, such as personal care, homemaking, companionship, or hospice care.
• Help at home can improve your quality of life by helping you maintain your independence, health, and well-being.
• Help at home can reduce stress and burden by giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
• Help at home can be accessed through different options, such as hiring a professional agency, finding an independent caregiver, or relying on family or friends.
• Help at home can be funded or assisted by different sources, such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, or community programs.

The Signs That You May Need Some Help at Home

How do you know if you or your loved one need help at home? Some common signs indicate that you may benefit from some help at home, such as:

• Difficulty with daily activities. You may have trouble with tasks that used to be easy for you, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, or paying bills. You may need assistance with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting. You may also need help with medical care, such as taking your medications, managing your chronic conditions, or monitoring your vital signs.
• Safety concerns. You may have a higher risk of falling, injuring yourself, or getting lost. You may have mobility issues, such as using a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may have sensory issues like poor vision, hearing, or balance. You may have cognitive issues, such as memory loss, confusion, or dementia.
• Isolation. You may feel lonely, bored, or depressed. You may have limited social contact, such as family, friends, or neighbors. You may have limited access to transportation, such as driving, public transit, or taxi. You may have limited participation in activities, such as hobbies, clubs, or events.
• Caregiver stress. You may be caring for a family member who needs assistance, such as a spouse, parent, or child. You may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or frustrated. You may have difficulty balancing your caregiving duties with your needs, such as work, health, or leisure. You may also have trouble coping with caregiving’s emotional, physical, or financial challenges.

If you notice any of these signs, you may want to consider some help at home. Help at home can address these signs and improve your quality of life. Help at home can provide you with support and assistance that are tailored to your needs and preferences. Help at home can also offer you flexibility and convenience, as you can choose the type, frequency, duration, and location of services.

There are different types of help at home that are available, such as:

• Personal care. This type of help at home assists you with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Personal care can also include assistance with medical care, such as taking your medications, managing your chronic conditions, or monitoring your vital signs.
• Homemaking. This type of help at home assists you with household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, or paying bills. Homemaking can also include pet care, gardening, or home maintenance assistance.
• Companionship. This help at home provides social and emotional support, such as conversation, listening, empathy, and encouragement. Companionship can also include assistance with transportation, such as driving, public transit, or taxi. Companionship can also include assistance with activities, such as hobbies, clubs, or events.
• Hospice care. This type of help at home provides you with comfort and support if you have a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Valley View Los Angeles Hospice care can include assistance with personal care, medical care, pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and bereavement support.

The following table shows some examples of the types of help at home that are available and how they can benefit you:

Help at home can benefit you in many ways, such as:

• Improving your physical health and comfort by providing the support and assistance you need to prevent or treat infections, wounds, or other complications and relieving your pain, discomfort, or fatigue.
• Improving your emotional and social well-being by providing the companionship and support you need to cope with loneliness, boredom, or depression and enhancing your sense of belonging and connection.
• Enhancing your dignity, respect, and autonomy by providing choices and options and honoring your preferences and wishes.

Help at home can also benefit your family and caregivers by reducing their stress and burden and allowing them to spend more time with you. Family and caregivers can also participate in help at home by helping, watching, or learning from help-at-home providers or by sharing their stories, memories, or emotions with them. Help-at-home providers can also provide family and caregivers with education, guidance, support, and respite as they cope with the challenges and changes of caring for you.

Many sources support the benefits of help at home for you and your family, such as:

• A National Association for Home Care and Hospice study found that home care can improve patients’ quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and nursing home placements.
• A study by the American Association of Retired Persons found that home care can increase the satisfaction and well-being of patients and caregivers and decrease the stress and burden of caregivers.
• A study by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization found that hospice care can improve the comfort and dignity of patients and reduce the pain and symptom distress of patients and caregivers.
  

  The Options for Getting Some Help at Home

  Once you have decided that you or your loved one need help at home, you may wonder how to get it. There are different options for getting help at home, such as hiring a professional agency, finding an independent caregiver, or relying on family or friends. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and you should consider them carefully before choosing.

Hiring a professional agency. This option involves hiring a licensed and certified agency that provides help at-home services. The agency will assign you a qualified and experienced help-at-home provider who will work under the supervision and direction of the agency. The agency will also handle the administrative and financial aspects of the service, such as scheduling, billing, payroll, taxes, insurance, and background checks.

The pros of hiring a professional agency are:

• You can expect a high quality and reliable service, as the agency will screen, train, and monitor the help-at-home providers and ensure that they meet the standards and regulations of the industry.
• You can have peace of mind and security, as the agency will cover the help-at-home providers’ liability and workers’ compensation and protect you from any legal or financial risks.
• You can have flexibility and convenience, as the agency will match you with a help-at-home provider that suits your needs and preferences and provide you with backup or replacement in case of absence or emergency.

The cons of hiring a professional agency are:

• You may have to pay a higher cost, as the agency will charge you a fee for their service, including a markup, a minimum, or a cancellation fee.
• You may have less control and choice, as the agency will determine the service’s type, frequency, duration, and location and assign you a help-at-home provider that may not be compatible with you.
• You may have less continuity and consistency, as the agency may change the help-at-home provider without your consent or notice or send you different help-at-home providers at different times.

Finding an independent caregiver. This option involves finding and hiring an individual who provides help at-home services. The individual may be a professional or a non-professional who works independently or through a referral service. You will be responsible for the administrative and financial aspects of the service, such as interviewing, hiring, firing, paying, taxing, insuring, and supervising the help-at-home provider.

The pros of finding an independent caregiver are:

• You may pay a lower cost, as the individual may charge you a lower rate or negotiate a price that fits your budget.
• You may have more control and choice, as you can choose the help-at-home provider that meets your criteria and decide the service’s type, frequency, duration, and location.
• You may have more continuity and consistency, as you can establish a long-term and stable relationship with the help-at-home provider and avoid frequent changes or interruptions.

The cons of finding an independent caregiver are:

• You may face a lower quality and reliability of service, as the individual may not have the proper qualifications, experience, or references or may not follow the standards and regulations of the industry.
• You may face more risk and liability, as you may be liable for any injuries, damages, or losses caused by or to the help at-home provider. You may not have any insurance or legal protection.
• You may face more hassle and stress, as you may have to deal with the various tasks and issues involved in hiring and managing the help at home provider, and may not have any backup or support in case of absence or emergency.

Relying on family or friends. This option involves asking or accepting help from your family members or friends who are willing and able to provide you with some help at home. The family members or friends may be your spouse, children, siblings, relatives, neighbors, or acquaintances with some experience or skills in providing help at home. You will have a personal and informal relationship with the help-at-home provider and may or may not compensate them for their service.

The pros of relying on family or friends are:

• You may not have to pay any cost, as family members or friends may help you at home for free or a nominal or symbolic amount.
• You may have more trust and comfort, as you can rely on someone you know and love, who knows and loves you, and who may share your values and beliefs.
• You may have more communication and involvement, as you can express your needs and preferences more easily and openly and participate more actively in the service.

The cons of relying on family or friends are:

• You may face a lower quality and reliability of service, as the family members or friends may not have the proper qualifications, experience, or availability or may not follow the standards and regulations of the industry.
• You may face more guilt and resentment, as you may feel that you are imposing or burdening the family members or friends or sacrificing or neglecting their own needs or interests for you.
• You may face more conflict and tension, as you may have disagreements or misunderstandings with family members or friends or feel they are interfering or controlling your life.

The following table shows a comparison of the pros and cons of each option for getting some help at home:

To choose the best option for getting some help at home, you should consider the following tips:

• Assess your needs and preferences. You should identify what type of help at home you need, how often, how long, and where. It would be best to consider your personal preferences, such as your budget, personality, lifestyle, or culture.
• Do your research. You should gather information about the different options for getting help at home, such as their services, costs, coverage, qualifications, experience, references, or reviews. You can use various sources like the internet, directories, agencies, referral services, or word-of-mouth.
• Ask for referrals. It would be best if you asked for recommendations from people you trust, such as your doctor, nurse, social worker, case manager, or other health care professionals, or your family, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances, who may have used or know someone who has used some help at home.
• Interview candidates. You should interview potential help at-home providers in person, by phone, or by video call, and ask them questions about their services, costs, availability, qualifications, experience, references, or anything else important to you. You should also check their background, credentials, and reputation and verify their references and reviews.
  

  The Costs and Coverage of Some Help at Home

  Another factor you should consider when getting help at home is the cost and coverage of the service. The cost and coverage of some help at home may vary depending on the type, frequency, duration, and location of the service and the provider, agency, or program you choose. You should know the costs and coverage of some help at home and how to pay for them or get assistance.

The costs of some help at home may include:

• Hourly rates. This is the most common way of charging for some help at home, where you pay a fixed amount per hour of service. The hourly rate may range from $15 to $40, depending on the type and level of service, the provider or agency, and the location.
• Flat fees. This is another way of charging for help at home, where you pay a fixed amount per day, week, month, or year of service. The flat fee may range from $100 to $10,000, depending on the type and extent of service, the provider or agency, and the location.
• Sliding scales. This is a way of charging for help at home, where you pay a variable amount based on your income, assets, or expenses. The sliding scale may range from $0 to $40 per hour or $0 to $10,000 per month, depending on the type and level of service, the provider or agency, and the location.

The coverage of some help at home may include:

• Medicare. This is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, disabled or have certain diseases. Medicare may cover some help at home if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are homebound, meaning that you have difficulty leaving your home without help or that leaving your home requires a considerable and taxing effort.
  • You need skilled care, meaning that you need the services of a nurse, therapist, or other health care professional.
  • You have a doctor’s order, meaning that your doctor has prescribed some help at home as part of your care plan.
  • You use a certified agency, meaning that you get some help at home from an agency that meets Medicare’s quality and safety standards.
• Medicaid. This is a joint federal and state health insurance program for people who have low incomes and limited resources. Medicaid may cover some help at home if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are eligible for Medicaid, meaning that you meet your state’s income and asset limits.
  • You need personal care, meaning that you need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting.
  • You have a doctor’s order, meaning that your doctor has prescribed some help at home as part of your care plan.
  • You use a qualified provider, meaning that you get some help at home from a provider that meets the qualifications and regulations of Medicaid.
• VA benefits. This federal program provides benefits and services to veterans and their families. VA benefits may cover some help at home if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are a veteran, meaning that you served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • You have a service-connected disability, meaning that you have a disability caused or aggravated by your military service.
  • You have a non-service-connected disability, meaning that you have a disability that was not caused or aggravated by your military service but that affects your ability to function independently.
  • You have a VA rating, meaning that the VA has assigned you a percentage of disability based on the severity of your condition.
  • You use a VA-approved provider, meaning you get some help at home from a provider with a contract or agreement with the VA.
• Long-term care insurance. This type of private insurance covers some or all of the costs of long-term care, such as some help at home. Long-term care insurance may cover some help at home if you meet the following criteria:
  • You have a policy, meaning you purchased and paid for long-term care insurance from a reputable company.
  • You have a benefit, meaning that your policy includes an advantage for some help at home and that you have not exhausted or exceeded your benefit limit.
  • You have a trigger, meaning that your policy has a trigger for some help at home, such as needing assistance with a certain number of activities of daily living or having a cognitive impairment.
  • You use a licensed provider, meaning you get some help at home from a provider with a license or certification from your state.
• Community programs. These programs are funded or sponsored by federal, state, local, or private sources and provide some help at home to eligible individuals or groups. Community programs may cover some help at home if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are a member, meaning you belong to a specific group or category the program serves, such as seniors, low-income, disabled, or rural residents.
  • You have a need, meaning that you need some help at home not met by other sources, such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance.
  • You have an application, meaning that you have applied and been accepted for some help at home from the program.
  • You use a contracted provider, meaning you get some help at home from a provider with a contract or agreement with the program.

The following table shows some examples of the sources of funding or assistance for some help at home and how they can benefit you:

Many sources provide information on the costs and coverage of some help at home, such as:

• The National Association for Home Care and Hospice provides information on the costs and coverage of home health care and hospice care, as well as a directory of home care and hospice agencies.
• The Eldercare Locator provides information on the costs and coverage of various types of help at home, as well as a locator of local resources and programs for older adults and their families.
• The Medicare website provides information on the costs and coverage of home health care and hospice care and a tool to compare and find home health and hospice agencies.
• The Medicaid website provides information on the costs and coverage of personal care and home and community-based services and a tool to find and contact your state Medicaid agency.
• The VA website provides information on the costs and coverage of homemaker and home health aide, respite care, and hospice care, as well as a tool to find and contact your local VA office. ###The Impact of Some Help at Home on Quality of Life Some help at home benefits your physical health and comfort, your loved one’s emotional well-being, and your emotional and social well-being. Some help at home can positively impact your quality of life by providing opportunities to interact with help-at-home providers, enjoy meaningful activities, and express your feelings and preferences.

Some help at home can improve your quality of life in the following ways:

• Providing opportunities to interact with helpful at-home providers who can offer you companionship, conversation, listening, empathy, and support. Help-at-home providers can also engage you and your loved one in reminiscence, storytelling, music, games, or other activities that stimulate memory, cognition, and creativity.
• Providing you with opportunities to enjoy meaningful activities, such as eating and drinking, can give you a sense of purpose, pleasure, and satisfaction. Help-at-home providers can also help you and your loved one celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or religious events, by preparing or providing festive foods, drinks, decorations, or gifts.
• Providing you with opportunities to express your feelings and preferences, such as your likes and dislikes, fears and hopes, regrets and gratitude, or wishes and goals. Help-at-home providers can also help you and your loved one make decisions about your care, such as advance directives, living wills, or do-not-resuscitate orders, by providing you with information, guidance, and respect.

The following table shows some examples of how help-at-home providers can interact with you and your family during the services and how these interactions can improve your quality of life:

Some help at home can also benefit your family and caregivers by reducing their stress and burden and allowing them to spend more quality time with you and your loved one. Family and caregivers can also participate in some help at home by helping, watching, or learning from help-at-home providers or by sharing their stories, memories, or emotions with them. Help-at-home providers can also provide family and caregivers with education, guidance, support, and respite as they cope with the challenges and changes of caring for you and your loved one.

Many sources support the impact of some help at home on your quality of life, such as:

• A study by the National Institute on Aging found that some help at home can improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults and their caregivers and reduce the risk of institutionalization, hospitalization, or mortality.
• A study by the Family Caregiver Alliance found that some help at home can increase the satisfaction and well-being of older adults and their caregivers and decrease the stress and burden of caregivers.
• A National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization study found that hospice care can improve the comfort and dignity of older adults and their caregivers and reduce their pain and symptom distress.