What Are the Qualifications Necessary to Receive In-Home Hospice Care?

Photo of author

By Marilyn Royce

Terminal illness, old age, and specific disabilities require around-the-clock professional healthcare. Family members can provide care for basic needs but might feel emotional strain and lack professional expertise. Knowing that they don’t have to do anything alone can make all the difference. In-home health aide is an ideal solution to ensure the optimal health of the patient and family. To receive these services, an eligibility criterion is bound to be met so your loved one can receive care according to their illness. You should do some things beforehand to qualify for in-home hospice and have a seamless experience.

Certificate Of Illness

You can obtain a certificate of illness from the hospital or doctor who has diagnosed the patient. This certificate should not be older than six months and should include a diagnosis with pertaining symptoms, medical history records, and details of unique cases. With all the information available, the hospice team can evaluate and determine whether the patient is eligible for in-home hospice care. Physicians will look for the following indicators: treatment progress or a lack thereof, comfort goals for the patient, and health events such as stroke. Some illnesses require long-term care, while others require specialized care. By evaluating the patient’s overall health, a team will be assigned with experience in dealing with cases like yours and will be available to work according to your needs.

Provide A Stable Home

Another factor to consider is your living status. If you are an individual who is constantly changing apartments or has no permanent place of residence, it might be difficult for you to fulfill the eligibility criteria. In-home hospice care is provided along with the medical equipment that the patient requires. Constantly changing your environment can affect the progress of the patient’s treatment since shifting is a stressful and distressing process. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the patient applying for in-home care has a permanent residence, whether it is their home, a nursing home, a group home, or any other location. This will prevent the hassle of shifting with loads of medical equipment and allow the focus to remain on the recovery and comfort of the patient.

Focus On Care

Hospice care is not focused on curing the patient but just providing comfort. An in-home aide will ensure that the individual is cared for regarding nutrition, medications, activities, and social companionship. They are working towards accommodating the patient to settle into their new lifestyle, providing customized care, and helping them become independent with their daily tasks. While these nurses can provide emergency healthcare and ensure that the patient’s illness is managed, they will not be working to cure the patient. Specific treatments show positive progress, but more is needed. Before applying for in-house healthcare, it is essential to distinguish between cure and care. Set realistic expectations, don’t give the loved one false hope, and do not overburden the caretaker.

Conclusion

A general understanding of the eligibility criteria of hospice care will prepare you for the process beforehand. Some hospitals have unique requirements which you will have to adhere to. Look into your insurance policy and ensure everything is managed so you can easily hire. This is a wonderful opportunity to give your loved one the comfort they need during this time. Plus, it allows you to do your daily tasks without having to worry about them.