In Home Care and Hospice Care

Many senior citizens receive home health care and/or hospice care services. As a family caregiver, there are many things that you may need or want to know about these services. Before you begin to dive into this guide, it is important that you know there are some differences and similarities between these two types of care. Learning about these similarities and differences can help you to better understand the care that your elderly loved one may need.

Differences Between Home Health Care and Hospice Care

The first thing that you may need to know about home health care and hospice care is they have different purposes. For example, people who just had surgery, got into an accident, or have an illness will likely receive home health care services. Those with a chronic disease may receive this type of care, too. However, hospice care helps with symptom and pain management for those who aren’t expected to survive for 6 months or longer. In addition, the goal of home health care services is to help the patient maintain or regain their functional level. With hospice care, the primary goal is to improve the person’s quality of life for as long as possible.

Similarities Between Home Health Care and Hospice Care

Despite the differences between home health care and hospice care services, there are some similarities that you should know about, too. For both these services, the patient is put first. For example, if your elderly loved one was in a car accident, they will receive a personalized care plan to help them heal and get better. If they have a terminal illness, they will also receive that personalized care plan to help maintain their quality of life. Even though these services are different, your elderly loved one will be cared for either way.

Services Offered in Home Health and Hospice Care

Depending on what type of care your elderly loved one is receiving, there may be different services they get.

With home health care, your elderly loved one may receive:

• Physical therapy
• Skilled nursing care
• Occupational therapy
• Medical social work
• Speech therapy
• Personal care services
• Medication assistance

With hospice care, your elderly loved one may receive:

• Personal care assistance
• Skilled nursing assistance
• Bereavement counseling for family members
• Medical social work (help with insurance, planning for death, advance directives, etc.)
• Help with household tasks, preparing meals, errands, companionship, and more
• Spiritual counseling

Conclusion

If you are taking care of your elderly loved one, it may be a good idea to ensure they are getting the care they need. Two types of care they may receive are home health care and hospice care. If your elderly loved one is recovering from surgery or ill, they may need home health care services. However, if they are terminally ill – even if they were receiving home health care services – this may need to transfer over to hospice care.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Hospice Care in Palm Beach County, FL please contact the caring staff at Elite Senior Home Care today. (561) 570-6613

Elite Senior Home Care provides Home Medical Equipment!
Visit www.EliteMedicalSupplyFL.com

Sources

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care