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When Is It Time to Consider Hospice, Home Health, or PCA?
We know it’s a challenging decision when deciding whether Home Health and Hospice is the right answer for our loved ones. Doctors are the ones who will make the referral to either when they have determined it is appropriate. Here’s what you need to know about these three forms of care.
Hospice
Hospice care provides compassion for people who require specialized care for incurable illnesses, like terminal Stage IV cancer, or are nearing their end of life—but are not seeking life-extending measures like dialysis. A hospice team may include doctors, nurses, home health providers, social workers, religious leaders, and family. Hospice is covered by medical insurance. Another option is Palliative Hospice. This type of care focuses on the comfort of your loved ones, with a keen eye on their current health condition.
Home Health
This can be provided at Residential Facilities for Groups, HIRC, Assisted Living Facilities, or at home after discharge from hospital or rehabilitation center. Home health can include a nurse, physical therapy, occupational therapy, RN visits, a chaplain, and assistance with bathing. Home health provides disease management and education of the following: diabetes, wound care, hypertension, surgical aftercare, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, swallowing issues, rehabilitation services, and community resource coordination. This option is covered by medical insurance.
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
PCA are caregivers who come into your home to support ADLs, allowing you to stay at home as long as possible. They will help with mobility support, personal hygiene, and other non-medical activities of daily living. This may include cooking/feeding, light cleaning, bathing, running errands, and medication management. PCA is covered by long term care insurance, VA benefits, and private pay. Because PCAs are non-Medicaid, they are not covered by medical insurance.
According to the State of Nevada, non-medical care is considered assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This allows for a level of at-home privacy not offered with other facilities. Employers of the PCA are 100% responsible for all costs related to bonding and insurance. This lessens the risk of inviting a stranger into your home.
PCA can be paid via private pay, veteran’s administration, community-based waiver program, long-term care insurance, Nevada Medicaid, or respite grants.
Additional PCA services may include:
- Assistance with bathing and personal care
- Preparation of healthy meals
- Light Housekeeping
- Transportation
- Any other minor needs related to the maintenance of personal hygiene
- Grocery shopping
- Customized schedules
- Medication Reminders
- Companionship
- Laundry/linens
If you have any questions about choosing our facilities and services for your loved ones, please call the Senior Focus Team at 702-672-5611 or email info@seniorfocus.com.
Senior Focus offers resources for discharge planners and families to make smart decisions when finding the right home in the State of Nevada. We represent over 100 homes across the Valley with different features and budgets to match your needs.
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1180 N. Town Center Dr. Ste 100
Las Vegas, NV 89144
MON – FRI 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM