Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care

1. How do I know what services I need?

You may know that you need care at home, but you may not be sure what services you need. Call us at 269-660-3600 and ask to speak with the Intake Coordinator. We will discuss your situation and determine what services might best support you.

2. Do I have a choice of which home health agency I can use?

Yes!  Be sure you ask for the agency of your choice. Otherwise, you will be assigned a home health agency based on someone else’s preference. Some insurances have exclusive contracts with specific home care companies, but generally it is the patients choice.

3. When is in-home healthcare appropriate?

In-home health care is provided if you find it difficult or physically taxing to leave your home. Nurses, physical therapists and other clinicians will come to your home to assist in your recovery from an illness or medical condition. The length and frequency of the visits is determined by your medical condition and your response to treatment. The goal of in-home care is regaining independence and teaching you to manage your medical condition.

4. Who pays for home health and hospice services?

Services are typically paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance and Managed Care Plans. Once we determine how we can assist you, we will help to determine if your insurance covers our service. If there is no coverage we will assist you in exploring other payment options.

5. How do I know if the home health agency I choose is reputable?

Check to see if your home care provider is a Medicare certified, State licensed agency. The home care agency would then be subject to regular audits and reviews by the Department of Public Health, Medicare or others. Inquire if the agency is a nonprofit or for profit organization as the mission of the agency as to delivery of care may vary. Ask if the agency conducts screenings, criminal background checks, drug tests, orientation, training and regular supervision of home care staff. It is your right to ask the home care agency about their quality assurance – after all these people will be coming into your home to care for you for a loved one.

6. What is Hospice care?

Hospice provides comfort and compassion at the end of life to allow an individual to live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care is person centered and takes place in the patients home or any facility they may be living in. The Hospice team consists of nurses, social workers, home health aides, pastoral care, volunteers and bereavement counselors. Our goal at Hospice is to offer support and guidance, but leave the patient in control of their own decisions.

7. Who is eligible for Hospice Care?

Hospice provides care to people of all ages with a life-limiting illness whose life expectancy is measured in months rather than years and has come to the decision of receiving comfort care rather than curative treatment. It is important to realize that Hospice is not just for patients with a Cancer diagnosis but for all life limiting illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), cardiac disease, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, failure to thrive, multi-organ failure or AIDS.

8. How do I sign up for Hospice?

A patient, family member, or physician can call Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice In-take at 269-660-3744 to initiate services or to request more information. If you or your family make the initial call we will then contact your physician to get approval. If you need more information before making a decision, Hospice can answer your questions over the phone or schedule a time to meet with you and your family.

9. If a patient lives longer than 6 months will they still qualify for Hospice?

Yes, in most cases. If the Hospice physician certifies that the patients condition is still terminal and the patient’s condition is declining, than the patient can continue to receive Hospice care and services.

10. Once a patient makes the decision to use Hospice, can the patient ever be discharged?

Yes. If the patient’s condition improves or if the patient or family changes their mind and decides to pursue cure-oriented treatment, then the patient than can be discharged from Hospice. Patients can than be readmitted to Hospice as the need arises.