I was given short notice that I have to go back to my office to work when I've spent the last year working from home. I'm trying to figure out Mom's care plan. Since I was home, I could help her caregiver get her from the bed to the chair and back. I won't be there now so I am trying to figure it out. My caregiver's boss suggested I look in the hospice but she has to have around six month's left. I don't know if that would be correct or I'm just in denial. How do you know if it is the right time? She needs a patient lift so I'm trying to find a vendor that will work with Medicare since I need a foldable one because we have a small crowded apartment. I'm just feeling overwhelmed because I'm the only one that makes these decisions. I have a brother, but he's estranged which is a whole different story. Any advice? Suggestions?
Hospice can be wherever the patient is. At home, Skilled Nursing facility, Memory Care, Assisted Living....
The services of Hospice are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance. But Hospice does not provide round the clock care for someone.
Hospice will provide all the equipment that is necessary to properly care for someone in their home or wherever they are.
Some Hospice have Inpatient Units and a patient can be placed there for short periods of time for Symptom management, pain management, respite but it generally is not for permanent stays. If a Hospice has a "house" that they can provide for patients the cost would be private pay.
The criteria for Hospice is that a Patient is no longer treating the life limiting condition and that there is a continued, documented decline. A person can remain on Hospice for years if the proper criteria is met and they are recertified according to the guidelines that Medicare, Medicaid and insurance puts forth.
Contact the Hospice of your choice and have her evaluated. There are different types of lifts and most of them have a "footprint" a bit larger than about 4X2 so they can easily go through doorways and hallways.
With great respect, Marcia
Hospice is absolutely wonderful. When you decide to choose a service, please ask if they offer an ‘end of life’ facility or hospice house where she will receive 24/7 round the clock care. We did this for my mom. She died with dignity and pain free. I will forever be grateful for their compassionate care.