Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses through a team of medical professionals and support services.

Hospice care includes pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, help with daily activities, and bereavement support. It offers a care team, medications, medical equipment, therapy, dietary guidance, and more to enhance the patient's quality of life.

Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and many private insurance plans, with little to no cost for patients. Cost should not deter someone from seeking hospice care.

It's time to consider hospice when there are increased symptoms, repeated hospitalizations, decreased function, alertness, appetite, or a prognosis of months to live. Talk to your doctor for guidance.

Your family may benefit from hospice if you're feeling isolated, need emotional support, are overwhelmed, or physically and emotionally exhausted from caregiving.

Generally, individuals with a life-limiting illness or a prognosis of six months or less to live are eligible for hospice care. Eligibility is determined by a physician and hospice team evaluation.

No, patients can continue to see their primary care physician while receiving hospice care. In fact, hospice teams often work in coordination with the patient's primary doctor.

No, hospices can differ in quality and services. Consult with a hospice agency for specific information tailored to your situation.

Yes, patients and their families have the right to discontinue hospice care at any time. They can choose to pursue curative treatments and/ or aggressive treatments.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your options or contact a local Hospice provider directly to begin the process.

Defined broadly as healthcare services that are given at home, home healthcare is a less expensive and convenient option for many patients facing a chronic illness or recovering from injury.

Possibly. The conditions for Medicare patients to be covered for home care services are that they are under the care of a doctor and your services are part of a plan of care that is both established and reviewed by a doctor. In addition, a doctor must certify that you require home healthcare.

Our staff of nurses, licensed by the State of California, will supervise your care while working closely with our physicians. In addition to state licensing, all of our RNs and LVNs are Medicare-certified and fully accredited by the America Nurses Association (ANA), an organization that sets the standards for nursing practice. In addition, our nurses work closely with your case manager to coordinate everything you need for your care.

Our nurses are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions or to help you if the management of the condition for the patient has changed. Also, our nurses are committed to both education of the family on how to better manage the care of their loved one as well as promoting as much self-care for the patient as possible to help you feel more comfortable when they are not physically present with your family.

You have many rights as a home healthcare patient. All home health agencies are required to give you a copy of these rights. You have the right to choose your home health agency (although those with managed care plans will be provided with a home health agency that works with your plan). You also must be given a copy of your care plan and be able to participate in decisions about your care, or have your family or guardian act for you in the case that you are unable. In addition, you have the right to have your property treated with respect.

Yes, you can maintain your relationship with your primary care physicians while receiving Home Health care.

Medicare and Medicaid insurance covers 100% of the services. Private insurance covers some part of the services but varies with each individual plan. Non-covered services will be discussed with the patient and family prior to admission.

1. Skilled Nursing Services: Professional nurses provide prescribed treatments, wound care, injections, IV therapies, diabetes management, and more.
2. Physical Therapy: Therapists help with strength and coordination, offering exercises and pain management.
3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists assist with daily activities and upper body functions.
4. Speech Therapy: Speech pathologists help with communication skills.
5. Medical Social Services: Social workers provide emotional support and help find community resources.
6. Certified Home Health Aides: Aides assist with personal care and light homemaking services.

1. Homebound: You must be confined to your home.
2. Skilled Services: You need skilled medical services.
3. Physician's Care: You must be under the care of a physician.
4. Plan of Care: Services must be provided under a plan of care established and reviewed by a physician.
5. Face-to-Face Encounter: You must have a face-to-face encounter with a physician or an allowed Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP).

If you meet these requirements, Medicare will cover 100% for skilled services such as nursing and therapy in the home.

We are happy to answer any and all of your questions. Please call our Referral line at (800) 651-5371.