Have the Conversation Today

Pennsylvania Link is not just a program; it's a movement committed to improving access to long-term care supports through an integrated network of partners dedicated to expanding community-based solutions. With a focus on promoting consumer-directed decision-making, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the quality of service, Pennsylvania Link is transforming the landscape of care for residents across all 67 counties. The Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), also known as PA Link for Pennsylvania, is designed to offer a seamless approach for seniors and adults with disabilities seeking assistance with activities of daily living. PA Link is not just a service provider; it's a lifeline for those navigating the complex terrain of care services. PA Link has woven a web of collaborative Partners with local professionals and organizations, to improve the navigation of care services. This integrated network ensures that individuals receive the support they need, regardless of age, physical/developmental disability, or ability to pay. Through cross-training and information sharing, PA Link is breaking down barriers, reducing duplication, and responding to the diverse needs of its community. No Wrong Door: A Statewide Gateway to Assistance PA Link provides a lifeline for those seeking assistance through its free statewide number 1-800-753-8827. Trained counselors stand ready to guide residents through identifying services, determining eligibility, and seamlessly navigating the application process. It's a "no wrong door" approach, ensuring everyone has a clear and direct path to the information and support they need. Personalized Pathways with Person-Centered Counseling In addition, PA Link offers Person-Centered Counseling (PCC). This free counseling and assistance program takes a detailed approach, crafting plans tailored to individual needs, values, and preferences. PCC sets dates, deadlines, and follow-ups to ensure success, making it a beacon of support for those in need. Join the Movement: Pennsylvania Link  Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resource Centers has helped thousands with their seamless and thoughtful approach to finding care and resources! All PA Link services are FREE and anyone can call! To see how PA Link can assist you or to join the initiative, visit the PA Link Website at https://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org/,  or call the statewide PA Link Call Center at 1-800-753-8827.

Is hospice really a place sick people go and never come back? Once someone goes into hospice, does that mean the family never gets to see him or her again? Isnt hospice some sort of religious practice?The answers to these hospice myths are no, no and no. These are the facts::Hospice is not a place. Those who choose hospice services near the end of life do not go into hospice, but receive services where they live. This could be a private residence, assisted living community or nursing home. Some hospitals have hospice beds; however, the intention of hospice is to deliver hospice services to the patient wherever he/she calls home.Loved ones and relatives are not kept from participating in caring for the hospice patient. In fact, theyre a part of the team. Every patient has an interdisciplinary team that starts with the patient and family: patient, family caregiver, physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, hospice aid, bereavement specialist, and volunteer. A plan of care is created that family and loved ones carry out at home to the extent they are willing and able.Hospice is not a last resort. When medical treatments can no longer cure a disease, hospice professionals can do many things to control pain, reduce anxiety, offer spiritual and emotional support, and improve quality of life for terminally ill people and their families.Hospice has no religious affiliation. Hospice provides chaplains and other spiritual counselors from all faiths and no faith. They respect all cultures and points of view and are there to lend support and discuss the patients and the familys feelings.Hospice is not just for cancer patients. Certainly cancer patients make up a large number of hospice patients. However, anyone who has a terminal illness, whether its heart disease, COPD, liver disease, kidney failure, stroke, ALS, Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS or any life-limiting condition, is eligible for hospice care.Hospice care is not expensive. Hospice is usually less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life. Hospice is an all-inclusive benefit covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal and most private insurance companies. Under Medicare there are no co-pays for physician visits, nursing care, medications, hospice equipment or medical supplies related to the patients primary illness.The patients personal doctor is not excluded. A patients personal physician can choose to be part of the hospice care team. Hospice doctors have extensive training in end-of-life care and will work closely with a patients personal physician to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible.Hospice does not forego medications or treatments. On the contrary, hospice takes advantage of state-of-the-art medications and palliative treatments to relieve pain and symptoms to keep patients comfortable.Families are not shielded from the hospice patient. Hospice professionals believe that when family membersincluding childrenexperience the dying process in a caring environment, it helps to counteract the fear of their own mortality and the loss of their loved one.Hospice does not mean anyone has failed the patient. Hospice is a mode of medical therapy that may be more appropriate than curative procedures for people with terminal illness. Hospice focuses on symptom management, controlling pain and addressing spiritual, emotional and psychological comfort.Hospice is not about giving up; its about living in comfort and dignity for the time one has left.Hospice does not make death come sooner. The goal of hospice is neither to prolong life nor hasten death, but to make the quality of the patients life the best it can be in their final months, weeks and days. There are no studies that indicate that hospice can hasten death, but there have been studies showing that some patients live longer when receiving hospice services.Hospice is not the same as euthanasia. Death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and hospice neither prolongs life nor hastens death. The goal of hospice is to provide pain control, symptom management and spiritual and emotional support to help seriously ill people live in comfort and dignity until they die. Euthanasia (youth-en-asia) is purposeful mercy killing to end suffering. It is not provided by hospice.A hospice death is not the same as a physician-assisted death. In hospice, a patients terminal disease state is allowed to progress to its natural conclusion. In a physician-assisted death, a physician, at the request of the patient, provides the means for the patient to end life early.Morphine prescribed to a hospice patient does not cause premature death. Hospice physicians are specially trained in the use of morphine and administer only the dose necessary to alleviate a patients pain or help them breathe. When administered correctly, morphine helps terminally ill patients enjoy a better quality of life at the end of life.Hospice may withhold nutrition and/or hydration at some point in the dying process. There are many things to consider when it comes to nutrition and hydration for patients near the end of life. Since the natural progression of a patients disease interferes with the bodys ability to process foods and fluids, it is expected that terminally ill patients will begin to eat and drink less and less.A nasogastric tube (a feeding tube through the nose and throat and into the stomach) or gastrostomy tube (a feeding tube that goes through the abdominal wall and into the stomach) can be put in place to provide nutrients when a patient cannot eat. But these can be painful/uncomfortable medical procedures with potential complications, including infections, electrolyte and mineral imbalances, vomiting and diarrhea.Artificial nutrition and hydration do not usually help the hospice patient feel better, feel stronger or live longer. Most dying patients do not experience hunger. Those who do feel hunger are satisfied with small amounts offered upon request. Hospice physicians are specially trained to know when it is appropriate to intervene with artificial nutrition and hydration support.Contact us at VITAS to learn more.

Understanding the Difference Between Home Health and Private Duty CareOne of the most common questions we receive is, Whats the difference between Home Health and Private Duty care? While both services provide essential support for individuals in need of care at home, they differ significantly in purpose, structure, and funding. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about the best care options for your loved ones.What Is Home Health Care?Home Health Care is a medical service that focuses on helping individuals recover from illness, injury, surgery, or often following a hospital stay. This type of care is typically short-term and is designed to restore or improve a patients ability to function independently.Key Characteristics of Home Health Care1.        Payor Source: Home Health is usually covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. To qualify, a patient must meet specific requirements, including a qualifying event (e.g., hospital discharge or significant change in health status) and a physicians order to initiate services.2.        Goal-Oriented: The primary aim of Home Health is to improve the patients condition within a defined time frame. For example, physical therapy may be provided to help regain mobility after surgery, or a nurse may assist in managing medications during recovery.3.        Medical Focus: Home Health includes skilled medical services such as wound care, injections, monitoring vital signs, and therapy (physical, occupational, or speech).4.        Short-Term Duration: Services typically last a few weeks to a few months depending on the patients progress and medical needs.What Is Private Duty Care?In contrast, Private Duty Care provides non-medical support that is tailored to meet the individuals daily living needs. This care is designed to enhance quality of life and allow individuals to age in place or remain safely at home for as long as possible.Key Characteristics of Private Duty Care1.        Payor Source: Private Duty care is primarily funded out-of-pocket by individuals or families. In some cases, long-term care insurance may cover services, but this varies by policy.2.        Flexible and Personalized: Private Duty care offers tremendous flexibility, accommodating everything from a few hours a week to 24/7 care. Services are customized to the specific needs of the client and their family.3.        Non-Medical Support: Services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, and transportation to appointments.4.        Long-Term Option: Unlike Home Health, Private Duty care can be a long-term solution supporting individuals for months or years as their needs evolve.How They Work TogetherWhile Home Health and Private Duty care serve different purposes, they often complement each other. For instance, a patient may receive Home Health services after surgery to address medical needs but transition to Private Duty care for ongoing support with daily tasks once Home Health ends.Advantages of Danville Private DutyCareAt Danville Support Services, we are proud to offer high-quality Private Duty care tailored to your loved ones needs. Here are some of the unique benefits we provide:1.        Bridging the Gap After Home Health: When Home Health services conclude, families may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving. Our Private Duty caregivers can step in to fill this gap ensuring your loved one continues to receive the support they need.2.        Peace of Mind for Families: Private Duty care allows family caregivers to take a much-needed break. Whether youre planning a vacation, attending work, or managing personal commitments, you can rest assured that your loved one is in capable hands.3.        Long-Term Care Insurance: If your private duty care provider has a home health license, they may take long-term care insurance. With this payment option, the client is reimbursed for the cost of their care by their insurance provider.  4.        Reduced Hospital Readmissions: With consistent care and monitoring, our services help prevent complications that could lead to hospital readmissions.5.        Licensed and Insured: We adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring all our caregivers are licensed, insured, and well-trained.6.        Continuous Training for Caregivers: Our caregivers undergo regular training to stay up to date with best practices ensuring the highest level of service.7.        Nursing Services Available: In addition to non-medical care, we offer nursing services for clients who require occasional medical oversight in Salt Lake City.8.        Serving Multiple Locations: We proudly serve Salt Lake City, Park City, and St. George, making it convenient for families across these regions to access our care.Why Choose Private Duty Care?Private Duty care provides a holistic approach to caregiving. It not only supports the physical well-being of individuals but also enhances their emotional and social health. Our caregivers provide companionship reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness which are common among older adults.In addition, Private Duty care is an excellent resource for families. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can be overwhelming leading to burnout. By entrusting us with caregiving responsibilities, families can focus on building meaningful relationships with their loved ones without the stress of day-to-day tasks.Customizing Care for Your Loved OneAt Danville Support Services, we recognize that every individual has unique needs. Thats why we take the time to create personalized care plans for each client. Whether your loved one requires occasional assistance or round-the-clock care, well work with you to design a solution that fits your situation. You can reach us at 801-363-1521. Contact Us TodayIf youre navigating the complexities of Home Health versus Private Duty care, were here to help. Contact Danville Support Services to learn more about how we can support your family and provide the peace of mind you deserve or danvillesupportservices.com.  Check out our Sandy Location List at Danville Support Services, or call us at (801) 363-1521.