- FAQ
Find Answers To Your Questions
We know there might be a lot of unknowns about the services we offer. We want to make sure you have all the answers you need to make a well-informed, confident decision.
What is Home Health?
Home Health care refer to a wide range of medical and non-medical services provided at a patient’s home to help them recover from an illness, surgery, or manage chronic conditions.
Who qualifies for Home Health care?
Typically, individuals who are homebound, under the care of a physician, and in need of intermittent skilled nursing or therapy services might qualify.
How is Home Health different from Hospice?
Home Health focuses on recovery and rehabilitation, while Hospice is for individuals nearing the end of life and focuses on comfort.
Who pays for Home Health?
Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments are common sources of funding for Home Health. Coverage depends on the insurance policy and the nature of the care needed.
What services are provided in Home Health?
This can include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, medical social services, and Home Health aide services.
How often will a healthcare professional visit?
The frequency of visits depends on the patient’s needs and the care plan established by their physician.
How long does Home Health last?
The duration varies based on the patient’s health needs and progress. It can be short-term (following surgery) or long-term for chronic conditions.
Do I need a referral for Home Health?
In most cases, a physician’s referral is required to start receiving Home Health services.
Who oversees the care provided in Home Health?
Care is usually overseen by a registered nurse or therapist in collaboration with the patient’s physician.
Can I choose my Home Health provider?
Yes, patients typically have the right to choose their Home Health care agency, but it’s essential to ensure they meet all regulatory and licensing requirements.
Is Home Health safe?
Reputable home health care providers follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety, including background checks of their staff and continuous training.
How is the quality of Home Health agencies measured?
Agencies can be evaluated based on accreditation, state licensing, Medicare certification, patient reviews, and outcome and assessment data.
Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Yes, Home Health providers are required to maintain the confidentiality of patient information, adhering to HIPAA regulations.
Can family members be trained to provide some care?
Yes, many Home Health agencies offer training for family members to assist with certain aspects of the patient’s care.
What happens if I need care beyond what Home Health can provide?
If a patient’s needs surpass what Home Health can offer, the provider will usually coordinate with other healthcare services or facilities to ensure continued care.
- Home Health
FAQ: Home Health Services
What is Home Health? How is Home Health different from Hospice? Find the answers to your questions here.
- Palliative Care
FAQ: Palliative Services
What is Palliative care? Is Palliative care just about pain management? How does it differ from Hospice? Find the answers to your questions here.
What is Palliative care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease.
How is Palliative different from Hospice?
While both prioritize comfort, Palliative care can be pursued at any time during an illness, in conjunction with curative treatments, whereas hospice care is typically reserved for individuals nearing the end of life and no longer pursuing curative treatments.
Who qualifies for Palliative?
Any patient suffering from a serious illness, regardless of age or stage of disease, may benefit from Palliative care. This includes patients with cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and many other conditions.
Who provides Palliative?
A multidisciplinary team usually provides Palliative care, including physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, and therapists.
Where is Palliative care provided?
It can be offered in various settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics, at home, or in long-term care facilities.
Is Palliative just about pain management?
While pain management is a significant component, Palliative care also addresses other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and shortness of breath. It also provides emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial support.
How does Palliative work with other treatments?
Palliative care can be given alongside curative treatments. Its focus is on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, and it can complement other therapies or treatments.
Who pays for palliative care?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care services. It’s essential to check with individual insurance providers for specifics.
How do I know if Palliative is right for me or a loved one?
If someone is experiencing significant symptoms, pain, or stress due to a serious illness, a discussion with a healthcare provider about Palliative care may be beneficial.
Can I receive Palliative care at home?
Yes, many Palliative services can be provided at home, depending on the patient’s needs and the available resources.
Do I need a referral for Palliative care?
In many cases, a referral from a primary care doctor or specialist might be needed, but policies can vary by institution.
Can children receive Palliative care?
Yes, pediatric palliative care is a specialized field that addresses the unique needs of children with serious illnesses and their families.
Is Palliative only for patients who are in the hospital?
No, Palliative care can be initiated in any setting, including outpatient clinics or at home.
Does starting Palliative mean I'm giving up on curative treatments?
No, Palliative is about improving quality of life and can be given alongside curative treatments.
How can I find a Palliative provider or program?
Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer Palliative care services. Asking your primary care doctor or specialist is often a good starting point.
What is Hospice?
Hospice care focuses on the comfort and quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses, rather than curative treatments.
Who is eligible for Hospice?
Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the illness runs its expected course, may qualify.
Where is Hospice care provided?
Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including a patient’s home, a hospice facility, hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.
Is Hospice just for cancer patients?
No, Hospice is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, lung disease, and many others.
Who pays for Hospice?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans offer Hospice benefits. Additionally, many hospice organizations offer financial assistance or care based on ability to pay.
What services are provided in Hospice?
Services can include medical care, pain management, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, respite care for families, and more.
How does Hospice manage pain and other symptoms?
Hospice professionals are skilled in managing pain and symptoms with medications, therapies, and other methods.
Can a patient keep their personal physician while in Hospice?
Yes, many Hospice programs encourage patients to maintain their relationship with their personal physicians.
What happens if a patient lives longer than six months while on Hospice?
If the patient’s condition stabilizes or improves, they might be discharged from Hospice. However, if they continue to decline, the eligibility can be re-evaluated and extended.
How is Hospice different from Palliative care?
While both focus on comfort and symptom relief, Palliative care can be pursued at any stage of an illness, while Hospice is typically reserved for the final months of life.
Can treatments be continued while on Hospice?
Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life. Curative treatments might be stopped, but some treatments that provide comfort can continue.
Does choosing Hospice mean giving up hope?
No, it means prioritizing comfort and quality of life over aggressive treatments. Many families find that Hospice allows them to enjoy their remaining time with loved ones more fully.
Can someone leave Hospice care?
Yes, patients can leave hospice care and return to curative treatments if they wish or if their condition improves.
How does one start the process of getting into Hospice?
Typically, a referral from a physician is needed, followed by an assessment from the Hospice Team.
What role do families play in Hospice?
Families are an integral part of the Hospice experience. They are involved in making decisions, providing care, and are also offered support and counseling.
- Hospice Care
FAQ: Hospice Services
What is Hospice? Is Hospice care just for cancer patients? How do you pay for Hospice? Find the answers to your questions here.
- Contact
Reach Out To Us
Denver Metro
Click below to reach our Denver Metro team.
6000 E. Evans Ave. Suite 2-400, Denver, CO 80222
Fax: (303) 730-3657
Grand County
Click below to reach our Grand County team.
Fax: (970) 812-4882
