FAQ

With so many questions and common misconceptions surrounding hospice and home health care, we're here to provide trusted guidance—so you can make informed decisions with peace of mind.

• What is hospice care?

  Hospice care is specialized support for individuals facing a life-limiting illness. It focuses on comfort, quality of life, and emotional support—rather than curative treatment—typically when a prognosis is six months or less.

• How is home health care different from hospice care?

  Home health care is for patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery and who are expected to improve. Hospice is for patients with a terminal diagnosis who choose comfort care rather than curative treatment.

• Who pays for hospice or home health services?

  Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances cover both hospice and home health services when eligibility requirements are met. We'll help guide you through the coverage process.

• Can I keep my regular doctor while receiving hospice or home health care?

  Yes. We work in partnership with your physician and specialists to coordinate care, respect your preferences, and ensure a smooth continuum of support.

• Where is care provided?

  Most of our patients receive care in their own homes. Services can also be delivered in assisted living communities, nursing homes, or other settings where the patient resides.

• Is hospice care only for the last few days of life?

  Not at all. Hospice care can be started as soon as a physician determines a patient has a life-limiting illness and may benefit from comfort-focused care. Early referral often improves quality of life for both patients and families.

• What kind of support is available for families?

  We offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to families—before, during, and after a loved one's passing. Bereavement services, caregiver guidance, and respite care are all part of our holistic approach.

• What types of surgeries do you provide aftercare for at home?

  We provide in-home aftercare support for a wide range of surgeries, including orthopedic (like knee or hip replacements), cardiac, abdominal, cancer-related, and general surgical procedures. Our team coordinates with your hospital discharge instructions to ensure your recovery continues smoothly and safely at home.

• How do you monitor surgical wounds to prevent infection?

  Our skilled nurses perform regular assessments of the surgical site, change dressings using sterile techniques, and watch closely for any signs of infection—such as redness, swelling, or discharge. We also educate patients and caregivers on what to look for and how to keep the area clean and protected between visits.

• Can you help manage multiple post-surgery medications?

  Yes. Our licensed clinicians provide medication reconciliation, organize pill schedules, monitor for side effects or drug interactions, and ensure all prescriptions are taken as directed. Whether it's pain relief, antibiotics, or blood thinners, we help simplify the process and keep your recovery on track.

• What qualifies a patient for home health services?

  A patient may qualify if they are homebound and need skilled care from a nurse or therapist following an illness, injury, or hospital stay. A physician must authorize home health services, and we help coordinate that referral process to ensure timely support.

• How often will a nurse or therapist visit my home?

  Visit frequency depends on your care plan and specific medical needs. Your frequency will be determined with your care team upon admission to home health services. We tailor schedules based on what your doctor recommends and what best supports your recovery.

• Does home health provide personal care support?

  Does home health provide personal care support?. Home health also provides assistance with daily daily living activities—including bathing, dressing, and other self cares; these services are provided by a CNA.

• What's the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

  Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness—regardless of their stage of treatment. You can receive palliative care while still pursuing curative treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative care provided near the end of life, when curative treatments have stopped. Both focus on comfort and quality of life.

• Who provides palliative care, and what services are included?

  Our palliative care team includes nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, and chaplains, all specially trained in serious illness support. Services include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual counseling, advance care planning, and coordination with your other healthcare providers.

• How do I know if palliative care is right for me or my loved one?

  If you or someone you love is living with a serious condition like cancer, heart or lung disease, Parkinson's, ALS, or dementia—and experiencing pain, stress, or confusion about treatment decisions—palliative care can help. It's not about giving up; it's about adding more support to you and your care team.

• When should someone consider hospice care?

  Hospice care is appropriate when a person has a life-limiting illness and is no longer seeking curative treatment, with a life expectancy of six months or less (as certified by a physician). It's not about giving up—it's about prioritizing comfort, quality of life, and meaningful moments with loved ones.

• What services are included in hospice care?

  Hospice includes pain and symptom management, medication and equipment delivery, personal care by certified aides, emotional and spiritual support, family education, and bereavement counseling. Our team is available 24/7 to provide care, guidance, and reassurance throughout the end-of-life journey.

• Who will oversee my hospice care?

  Patients and families remain at the center of all decisions. Our hospice team works with you and our dedicated hospice medical director to guide care. Every decision—from comfort goals to spiritual preferences—is made with your input and consent.

• What is infusion therapy, and is it safe to receive at home?

  Infusion therapy involves delivering medication or fluids directly into the bloodstream through an IV. It's commonly used for antibiotics, hydration, pain control, and nutritional support. Yes—when administered by licensed professionals, it's completely safe and often more comfortable than traveling to a hospital or clinic.

• Do these services require a prescription or referral?

  Yes. Most specialized services like infusion therapy, tube feeding, and equipment delivery require a physician's order. We help coordinate with your doctor or discharge planner to streamline the process and ensure insurance coverage where applicable.

• Who provides ADL support, and are they trained?

  ADL services are provided by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or trained personal care aides. They're experienced in helping with sensitive tasks in a respectful, professional, and safe manner. We match caregivers based on client needs and preferences to ensure comfort and continuity.

• How often can a caregiver help with daily activities?

  Support can be scheduled as needed—ranging from a few visits per week to daily. We tailor care plans based on the level of assistance needed, whether it's short-term recovery or long-term support.

• Is help with bathing and toileting covered by insurance or Medicare?

  Medicare may cover ADL support only if it's part of a skilled care plan (such as after surgery or hospitalization). However, private pay, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid waivers often cover personal care services. Our team can help you understand your coverage and explore options.

• What happens if a patient misses or skips medication doses?

  Missed medications can lead to complications, worsening symptoms, or dangerous reactions—especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Our team helps prevent these risks by providing education and training, hands-on support, and nurse visits for higher-level medication administration when needed.

• Do you communicate changes in health or vitals to the patient's doctor?

  Yes. We keep detailed records and communicate any changes—like irregular blood pressure, rising blood sugar, or new symptoms—to the patient's primary care provider or specialist. Our collaborative approach ensures timely interventions and better long-term outcomes.

• Is this service available to people living alone or without a full-time caregiver?

  Absolutely. In fact, our monitoring services are especially valuable for individuals who live alone. We provide routine visits, check-ins, and even telehealth support in an effort to help set patients up for success.

• Do you provide special diets like diabetic or heart-healthy meals?

  Yes. Our caregivers are trained to prepare meals that align with specific dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, low-fat, soft, or pureed diets. We work with care plans and physician recommendations to ensure meals meet both health goals and personal preferences.

• What does feeding assistance involve?

  Feeding assistance may include help with cutting food, spoon-feeding, or encouraging regular eating in clients who have difficulty using utensils or staying focused during meals. We always provide assistance in a respectful, patient, and supportive manner to maintain dignity and comfort.

• How do you monitor hydration and ensure enough fluids are consumed?

  We provide regular hydration reminders and track fluid intake throughout the day—especially for clients at risk of dehydration. Our caregivers gently encourage water, tea, broth, and other suitable fluids, and notify the clinical team if there are signs of reduced intake or related symptoms.

• What activities do caregivers provide for companionship?

  Companionship activities are tailored to each person's interests and abilities. This can include conversation, reading, puzzles, games, watching movies, taking walks, or simply spending time together. The goal is to foster connection, stimulate the mind, and ease feelings of loneliness.

• Is emotional support part of hospice or palliative care?

  Yes. Emotional support is a core part of both hospice and palliative care services. In addition to companionship from caregivers, our social workers and chaplains provide counseling, spiritual guidance, and grief support for patients and their families throughout the care journey.

• Can companionship help with memory or cognitive decline?

  Absolutely. Social interaction and mental engagement have been shown to support brain health. For individuals with early dementia or cognitive challenges, consistent companionship can provide structure, reduce anxiety, and improve overall quality of life.

• What types of household tasks do your caregivers help with?

  Our caregivers assist with light housekeeping, including dusting, dishes, laundry, sweeping, organizing, and changing linens. We do not provide deep cleaning, but we focus on keeping the environment safe, tidy, and comfortable.

• Do you offer help with errands like shopping or picking up medications?

  Yes. We can assist clients with grocery shopping, prescription pickups, mailing packages, and other essential errands. Caregivers can also accompany clients to the store or help them manage their lists and budgets at home.