Determining The Right Type of Care

Nearly one in four households in the United States is involved in helping care for a spouse, relative or friend in their own homes. More and more, individuals facing acute, chronic or terminal illness choose to receive care at home rather than in a nursing home or other facility. Accessing the available support that allows individuals to safely remain at home is key. How will you know what you need and what services are available?

Levels of care vary depending on the type of assistance required – from private duty care to skilled nursing care to hospice care. And now, “telecare” technologies complement all levels of care with remote monitoring of vital signs, medications, and safety.

Consumers are legally entitled to select their own provider, subject only to the guidelines of which agencies your personal insurance covers. Just like people, providers come in all shapes and sizes – from small independent non-profit providers to hospital based agencies to national for-profit corporations. If there is a particular provider you wish to use, do not hesitate to make your selection known. Choosing an agency that meets your needs at every level will assure your continuity of care. Staying with the same care team with whom you have a trusting relationship maximizes your comfort and security if your medical needs change.

Private Duty Care assists those who do not have a medical need, yet would greatly benefit from assistance with eating, dressing, bathing and other housekeeping duties. You can begin private duty care without a doctor’s referral or insurance authorization, and it is available on a temporary or longer-term basis. Most private duty care is an out-of-pocket expense, but some services may be covered by insurance, supplementary insurance or long-term care policies.

Skilled Home Care is medically referred care provided by Medicare-certified agencies and is provided upon hospital discharge, for management of a chronic health condition, or for a larger spectrum of medical needs. Care is provided by a variety of health professionals – nurses, home health aides, infusion therapists, dieticians, social workers, and physical, occupational, and speech therapist. Home care services are paid through a variety of public and private sources – including personal insurance and managed care companies. Medicare, Medicaid, Older Americans Act, Veterans Administration, and Social Services block grant programs. Some community organizations, such as local chapters of the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, and National Easter Seals Society, also provide home care funding.

Hospice Care is for those with any end-stage diagnosis, both cancer and non-cancer such as pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, AIDS, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. An interdisciplinary team provides comfort and care to address the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional issues associated with dying. Medicare and Medicaid as well as most private and commercial insurances, offer hospice benefits. There is typically no charge to patient or family and is provided regardless of the patient’s and/or family’s ability to pay.