Specialized care

Sometimes you or your loved one may need special care that goes beyond what a home care worker can give. Here are some options:

Home health skilled nursing and therapy services

A home health agency coordinates skilled nurses and/or therapists who provide services in individuals’ homes. Services include:

• Assessing nursing or therapy needs
• Providing treatment
• Providing a home health aide for basic care (if needed)
• Providing training for the person needing care, family members or others who provide support

These services allow the person to either remain at home or return home after a hospital stay. An individual living in an Adult Foster Home, Residential Care or Assisted Living facility may also receive home health services. These services require a physician’s referral.

Hospice care

Hospice care helps people spend their last days with dignity and quality surrounded by the people they love. It stresses pain relief and comfort measures rather than prolonging life. Hospice care involves a team of professionals and volunteers who provide medical, emotional and spiritual support. Hospice also trains the family or caregivers to give care and prepares them for their loved one’s end of life.

Individuals and their families participate fully in caregiving decisions. They may choose to receive counseling, support and occasional help with personal care such as bathing. Individuals may return to regular medical care, if needed. Hospice can give care in a person’s home, a nursing home or an Adult Foster Home. It can also take place in a Residential Care, Assisted living, Memory Care, nursing or hospice facility. The person can use his or her own physician or another health care provider.

How do I pay for hospice care?

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, the Oregon Health Plan and private insurance. The hospice program manages the care and most of the costs associated with treating symptoms of the terminal illness. Medicare or the person’s insurance plan continues to pay for physicians or other health care provider services. Patients may need to meet co-pays or other uncovered costs. However, no one will ever be turned down for financial reasons.

Visit the Oregon Hospice Association or Caring Connections for more information about hospice and caregiving resources.