Which Should I Choose? Nursing Home Care vs Hospice Care
Entrusted Legacy Law
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Sharek Law LLC
Jun 26, 2023
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Email US
Click to Email Us
End-of-life decisions are never easy. One of the most important decisions you may make regarding health care as you age could be whether you need a nursing home or hospice care.
To make the best choice for you and your family, it helps to know the difference between the nature of the care provided through a nursing home as compared with hospice.
Nursing Home Care
Nursing home facilities offer residential care for the elderly and disabled. The treatment patients receive from a nursing home differs from what is available in hospice care. Residents at nursing homes receive treatment to extend their lives. Care that you can expect from a nursing home may include custodial and some skilled care.
Custodial care includes nonmedical treatment, such as assistance with dressing, bathing, cooking, laundry, and other types of personal care. The provider does not need a medical license to give residents this type of care.
Skilled nursing care is provided by licensed medical practitioners. Nursing home residents may receive some skilled care, including wound care, physical therapy, injections, and other care that they may need to ensure their physical well-being.
Note that Medicare generally does not cover custodial care. And while Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) coverage may be available for enrollees with certain medical conditions, it is often limited to those who need short-term care in a skilled nursing facility, rather than a nursing home. (Learn more about Medicare’s limited nursing home coverage.)
If you are eligible for Medicaid, a program for individuals with limited income and assets, there are nursing homes in many states that accept Medicaid patients.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is an option for patients who do not wish to receive treatment to help improve their condition or extend their life, but want comfort care as they reach the end of their lives. Your hospice care team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors, and volunteers.
A hospice care team is trained in treating end-of-life pain. Hospice care can be administered in a patient’s home or in an institutional setting. It also may provide support to family members and caretakers, including respite care.
If a patient has Medicare Part A and meets the following qualifications, they may have hospice care services, including pain-relieving medication and home aide services, covered:
A primary care physician, or a hospice care doctor, confirms that the patient’s condition is terminal and they will not live for more than six months.
The patient is willing to receive palliative care only and not care that is intended to try and improve their condition.
The patient signs a statement confirming that they will receive hospice care instead of any other Medicare-covered treatments related to their physical condition.
For Medicaid recipients with a terminal illness, certain states may provide help in paying for hospice.
A Note on Concurrent Care
Complicating matters is the fact that Medicare will generally not cover nursing home care and hospice care, known as concurrent care, at the same time. Currently, individuals on Medicare must give up Medicare payment for care related to their terminal condition if they want to receive Medicare’s hospice benefit. As a result, many individuals facing a terminal illness may not opt for hospice support services.
Policymakers have been pushing for a benefit within Medicare that would allow patients who wish to benefit from hospice care services (for example, a hospice aide, in-home respite care, or nutritional support) to receive curative treatment (for example, chemotherapy) simultaneously.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has spent the past several years testing various models, including one known as the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM). MCCM has been shown to improve the quality of patients’ end-of-life while also resulting in Medicare savings. However, this option has not yet been made permanent.
End-of-Life Dilemma: Which Should I Choose?
While considering the next steps to take in your health care plan, speak candidly with your family and health care team about your needs and how you see your future.
If you have questions about coverage options that may be available to you in a nursing home or with hospice care, contact Sharek Law Office at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute Call with our staff to learn how we can help.
This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.shareklaw.com/post/vital-act-affordable-housing-for-people-with-disabilities
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
We are a Veteran-Owned Business Proud to Serve our Community
Veteran-owned HomeWell puts veterans first, offering exceptional in-home care that honors their service and values.As veterans, we understand the importance of protecting the well-being of others. Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we aid families in need, support fellow veterans and help our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. Committed to providing you with the peaceful retirement youve earned.The retirement years of those who have served should be marked by dignity, comfort and belonging. However, for veterans whose years of service are etched with valor and sacrifice, life as a citizen can prove challenging. Depending on their experiences, the transition to normalcy and everyday life can be a long-term endeavorone that continues well into their senior years.At HomeWell, weve found that the comfort of home can make all the difference for our esteemed soldiers who seek to age gracefully. For these individuals, maintaining autonomy is not just a preference; its a testament to the resilience that defines them. By bringing care directly to their doorstep, senior veterans can enjoy the familiarity of their own space while receiving the individualized care they need. Our role in veterans care:Our service-driven approach is rooted in the values of perseverance, respect, dignity and honor as we support veterans and their families, ultimately helping our community thrive through exceptional in-home care services. We thoughtfully consider the individual needs of each veteran entrusted to our care to develop a highly personalized plan that takes into account their physical, mental and emotional well-being at home.We also extend a helping hand to veterans and their families as they navigate their finances. We understand that paying out of pocket often hinders them from pursuing non-medical home care. However, if your loved one is enrolled in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or has a monthly VA pension, they may be eligible to receive coverage for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) at HomeWell. If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today. Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
Going Nuts for Pistachios
Let's celebrate one of nature's most delightful offerings: the pistachio. These little green gems are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're also packed with health benefits. Let's crack open the world of pistachios and other nuts, exploring their health benefits and some delicious pistachio-based snacks.The Wonder of PistachiosA Nutty HistoryPistachios have been a cherished snack for millennia. Originating from the Middle East, they have been a symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, known for their unique flavor and vibrant green hue.Health Benefits of Pistachios1. Heart Health: Pistachios are great for your heart. They're loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, which help in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.2. Weight Management: Despite being energy-dense, pistachios have a high protein content and fiber, which can help in feeling full and preventing overeating.3. Blood Sugar Control: Their low glycemic index makes pistachios a smart snack choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.4. Eye Health: Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are crucial for eye health.We've put together a selection of pistachio-based snacks. From roasted and salted pistachios to pistachio-infused treats, there's something for every nut lover. These snacks are perfect for a healthy, satisfying nibble.Uncanny | Pistachio Salted | 1.3oz CanWonderful | No Shell Pistachios Roasted & Salted 0.75ozconsciouSnack Obleas Pistachio Amaranth Wafers (1.05oz)B'cuz | Granola Bites Cherry Pistachio Gluten-Free Snack (1oz)A Nut for Every NeedWhile pistachios are in the spotlight today, let's not forget about the wide variety of nuts available, each with its own set of health benefits. Almonds are great for vitamin E, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cashews are packed with iron and magnesium. Incorporating a mix of nuts into your diet can provide a broad spectrum of nutrients and health benefits.Visit our website - we are more than snacks, we promote wellness. Perfect for vegans, diabetics, celiac, keto, and more...
HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!
This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.
Local Services By This Author
Entrusted Legacy Law
Elder Law 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.