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When Should I Consider Hospice, Home Health, a Skilled Nursing Facility, or Other Supplemental Care for My Parent?

It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to end-of-life care. This article summarizes a few popular options.
hospice vs home health vs skilled nursing

As our parents age, it can be difficult to know when it is time to consider additional care beyond what we can provide at home. Whether it is hospice care, home health care, a skilled nursing facility, or some other type of care, there are a few common reasons why people may consider these options for their aging loved ones. Choosing the appropriate care facility isn’t just important for your loved one, but it is critical in your and your family’s health as well. Wherever your parent ends up, you’ll want to be sure that everyone has some peace of mind once the decision has been made.

Hospice Care

hospice care

Hospice care is a type of care that is focused on providing comfort and support to those who are facing a terminal illness or have a limited life expectancy. Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital. Services provided by hospice care may include pain management, emotional support, and spiritual counseling.

One advantage of hospice care is that it is focused on providing comfort rather than curing the person’s illness, which can be a relief for both the patient and the family.

Hospice care is generally considered when a person has a life expectancy of six months or less. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and some people may choose to enter hospice care earlier or later depending on their specific circumstances and wishes.

It is important to remember that hospice care is not just for the person who is receiving care, but also for their family and loved ones. Hospice care can provide support and resources for the family as they navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one who is facing a terminal illness.

One of the main benefits of hospice care is that it allows the person to receive care in the setting of their choice. This can be especially important for those who wish to remain at home during the end of their life. Hospice care can also be provided in a hospice facility or in a hospital, depending on the person’s needs and preferences.

Another advantage of hospice care is that it is provided by a team of professionals who are trained to manage pain and other symptoms. This can help to improve the person’s quality of life and provide them with the comfort and support they need during this difficult time.

Hospice care can also provide emotional and spiritual support to the person and their family, which can be an invaluable source of comfort and strength.

Home Health Care

home health care

Home health care is a type of care that is provided in the person’s home and is often needed for a short period of time, such as after a hospital stay or surgery.

Services provided by home health care may include nursing care, physical therapy, and assistance with daily activities. One advantage of home health care is that it allows the person to recover at home, which can be more comfortable and less stressful than being in a hospital. It can also be more cost-effective than hospitalization.

Home health care is typically provided by a team of professionals, including nurses, therapists, and other healthcare workers. The frequency of visits and the types of services provided will depend on the person’s specific needs and goals.

For example, a person who has recently had surgery may require more frequent visits from a nurse to monitor their recovery and make them comfortable, while a person who is recovering from an illness may require more frequent visits from a therapist to help them regain their strength and mobility.

One of the main benefits of home health care is that it allows the person to recover in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their loved ones and familiar surroundings.

This can help to promote healing and improve the person’s overall quality of life. Home health care can also be more cost-effective than hospitalization, as the person is able to receive care in their own home rather than in a more expensive hospital setting.

In order to be eligible for home health care, the person must generally be homebound and in need of skilled nursing or therapy services. These services must be ordered by a healthcare provider, and the person must be under the care of a physician. Home health care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, although coverage may vary depending on the specific plan.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

skilled nursing facility

A skilled nursing facility is a type of care that is provided in a facility that is specifically designed for those who need round-the-clock medical supervision and rehabilitation services.

Services provided by a skilled nursing facility may include nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social and recreational activities. One advantage of a skilled nursing facility is that it provides access to specialized medical care and rehabilitation services that may not be available at home.

Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, are often considered for those who need more intensive medical supervision and rehabilitation services than can be provided at home or in a less intensive setting, such as an assisted living facility.

Skilled nursing facilities are staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, and other staff members, who are trained to provide the level of care needed by the residents.

In order to be eligible for skilled nursing facility care, the person must generally require a higher level of medical supervision and rehabilitation services than can be provided at home or in an assisted living facility.

Skilled nursing facility care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, although coverage may vary depending on the specific plan.

One of the main benefits of skilled nursing facility care is that it provides access to specialized medical care and rehabilitation services that may not be available at home or in a less intensive setting.

This can be especially important for those who are recovering from a hospital stay or who have complex medical needs. Skilled nursing facilities also provide a range of social and recreational activities, which can help to improve the quality of life of the residents.

Other Types of Care

forms of health care

There are also other types of care that may be considered for aging parents, such as assisted living and memory care.

Assisted living is a type of care that is provided in a facility and is designed for those who need some assistance with daily activities, but do not require the level of medical supervision provided in a skilled nursing facility.

Memory care is a type of care that is specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Services provided by these types of care may include meals, medication management, and social and recreational activities. One advantage of these types of care is that they provide social support and access to medical care as needed.

Assisted living facilities are designed for those who need some assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not require the level of medical supervision provided in a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living facilities may also provide social and recreational activities, as well as transportation to appointments and other activities.

Memory care facilities are specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These facilities provide a secure environment and are staffed by professionals who are trained to care for individuals with dementia. Memory care facilities may also provide social and recreational activities, as well as support for caregivers.

In order to be eligible for assisted living or memory care, the person must generally be able to live independently but require some assistance with daily activities. Assisted living and memory care are not typically covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and may be paid for out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It is important to carefully review the specific coverage and costs of assisted living and memory care facilities before making a decision.

Conclusion

woman fondly looking at caregiver

When deciding on end-of-life care options for an aging parent, it is important to carefully consider all of the available options and consult with healthcare professionals and loved ones. Each person’s needs and circumstances are unique, and what may be the best option for one person may not be the best option for another. It is also important to remember that it is okay to seek out more information and to ask questions before making a decision.

It can be helpful to start by considering the person’s specific needs and goals.

For example, if the person is experiencing a terminal illness and is seeking comfort-focused care, hospice care may be the best option. If the person is recovering from an illness or surgery and needs short-term rehabilitation, home health care may be the best choice. If the person has complex medical needs and requires round-the-clock medical supervision, a skilled nursing facility may be the best option.

It is also important to consider the person’s preferences and wishes.

For example, if the person wishes to remain at home as much as possible, home health care or hospice care may be the best choice. If the person prefers a more social setting, an assisted living facility or memory care facility may be a good option.

In addition to the options discussed above, there are also further types of care that may be considered, such as adult day care, in-home care, and palliative care.

Adult day care is a type of care that is provided in a facility and is designed for those who need supervision during the day, but are able to return home at night.

In-home care is a type of care that is provided in the person’s home and may include services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance with activities of daily living.

Palliative care is a type of care that is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the person’s prognosis.

It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to end-of-life care.

What may be the best option for one person may not be the best option for another. It is important to carefully consider all of the available options and consult with healthcare professionals and loved ones before making a decision. It is also important to remember that it is okay to seek out more information and to ask questions before making a decision.

No matter what type of care is chosen, it is important to remember that the person’s comfort and quality of life are the top priorities. By carefully considering the available options and working with healthcare professionals and loved ones, it is possible to find a care solution that meets the person’s needs and preferences.

Have another question? Ask an expert.

Our team is here for you. If you have a question about caring for an older adult or other member of your family—be it physical, legal, medical, financial, or anything in between—we’ll have one of our Trusted Advisors get back to you ASAP.

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