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Frequestly asked questions

Hospice Care FAQs

When is the right time to contact Active Hospice?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or is facing the challenges of an advanced condition, now is the right time to call. Hospice care is designed to provide comfort, peace of mind, and an improved quality of life during the final months. Waiting until the last days or weeks can limit the full benefits of hospice, and many families later share that they wish they had reached out sooner.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care is a compassionate approach that focuses on comfort rather than cure. Instead of pursuing aggressive treatments, hospice prioritizes pain management, emotional support, and overall quality of life. It also helps both patients and their families find clarity, dignity, and meaningful moments during this stage of life.

What conditions qualify for hospice care?

Hospice care is available for a wide range of serious illnesses and is not limited to cancer. It supports individuals living with conditions such as heart disease, dementia, respiratory disease, stroke, kidney or liver failure, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and AIDS. If you are unsure whether you or your loved one qualifies, our team can help guide you through the process.

Is hospice only for the last days or weeks of life?

No, hospice care is intended for the final six months of life based on a physician’s prognosis. Starting hospice earlier allows patients and families to fully benefit from the physical, emotional, and spiritual support it provides, rather than only receiving care during the final days.

Can hospice care continue beyond six months?

Yes, hospice care can continue beyond six months if a physician determines that the patient remains eligible. In these cases, coverage such as Medicare typically continues as long as the patient is recertified as having a terminal condition.

Can I stop hospice care if I change my mind?

Yes, hospice care is always a choice. You may decide to stop services at any time and return to curative treatments if your goals of care change. If needed, you may also re-enroll in hospice later as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I keep seeing my doctor while on hospice?

You may continue to involve your primary care physician in your care if you choose. However, hospice focuses on comfort care, so treatments from specialists that are intended to cure the illness are typically not part of the hospice plan.

Who pays for hospice care?

Hospice care is usually covered in full by Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and Veterans Affairs benefits. Depending on your situation, additional insurance options may also help cover services.

What services are included in hospice care?

Hospice provides a wide range of services designed to support both the patient and their family. This includes pain and symptom management, medications, medical equipment, nursing care, and emotional and spiritual counseling. Additional supportive therapies such as massage, music, pet therapy, and aromatherapy may also be offered, along with bereavement support for loved ones.

Can I receive help with daily living while on hospice?

Yes, many individuals receiving hospice care also benefit from personal home care services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, and transportation. While hospice covers medical care, personal care services are often funded separately through insurance or other programs, though limited assistance may sometimes be included.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice care is provided wherever you call home. This may include your own residence, a family member’s home, an assisted living community, or a skilled nursing facility, allowing you to remain in a comfortable and familiar environment.

Is hospice a place where people go to die?

No, hospice is not a place but a type of care. While hospice facilities do exist, most hospice care is delivered in the home. The goal is to allow individuals to spend their final months in a setting that feels safe, familiar, and surrounded by loved ones.

Do I have to be bed-bound to qualify for hospice?

No, patients do not have to be bed-bound to receive hospice care. Many individuals remain active and continue to engage in daily life while benefiting from the added support hospice provides.

Do I need a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order?

A Do-Not-Resuscitate order is not required to receive hospice care, although it is often encouraged as part of thoughtful end-of-life planning.

How does hospice support families?

Hospice provides ongoing emotional and practical support for families before and after the passing of a loved one. This includes counseling, chaplain services, and grief support, which may continue for up to a year. Families receive guidance, comfort, and resources to help them navigate loss and healing.

How do I know if hospice is right for me?

We offer a free in-home consultation to help you and your family better understand hospice care and determine if it is the right choice. During this visit, our team will answer your questions and provide clarity about available services and coverage.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of illness. Unlike hospice, it is not limited to end-of-life care, and patients can continue to receive curative treatments while benefiting from symptom management and supportive care.

Home Health Care FAQs

Who pays for home health services?

Most insurance plans cover home health services at 100%, including Medicare, TriWest, Tricare, and Worker’s Compensation Fund. If you are unsure whether your insurance provides coverage, our team is happy to help you verify your benefits and guide you through the process.

What is the difference between home health and personal or home care services?

Although both services are provided in the comfort of your home, they serve very different purposes. Home health care involves skilled clinical services that are ordered by a healthcare provider and are focused on recovery, rehabilitation, and improving your overall health. These services are delivered by licensed professionals such as nurses and therapists. In contrast, personal or home care services are non-clinical and provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, transportation, and light housekeeping, and they do not require a physician’s order.

Do you provide home health services in skilled nursing facilities?

Home health services are not typically provided in skilled nursing facilities because residents already receive comprehensive care from the facility’s nursing and therapy staff, including a structured plan of care similar to what a home health agency offers.

How do I qualify for home health care?

To qualify for home health care, a patient must have a medical need for skilled services such as nursing care or therapy. These services must be necessary to improve or maintain the patient’s condition, or to prevent further decline. Care may be needed on an intermittent or ongoing basis, depending on the individual’s situation and physician recommendations.

What services are included with home health?

Home health services are designed to help you regain independence and return to your daily routine. Depending on your needs, care may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, pain management, and palliative care, all delivered in a coordinated and personalized plan.

Where can I receive home health services?

Home health services are provided in your primary place of residence, which may include your home, a family member’s home, an assisted living facility, or a group home. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are not eligible locations because they already provide similar levels of care on-site.

How frequently can I receive home health services?

After being discharged from home health care, a patient typically must wait 90 days before receiving services again for the same condition. This ensures that care remains appropriate and medically necessary based on current needs.

Do I have to use the agency my doctor referred me to?

No, you always have the right to choose your home health provider. While your doctor may recommend an agency, there is no obligation to use that specific provider, and you are free to select the one that best fits your needs.

Do you provide home health services in assisted living facilities?

Yes, home health services can be provided in assisted living facilities. While these facilities offer general support, they do not typically provide rehabilitative or treatment-based services. Our team works alongside facility staff, your physician, and your family to deliver the same level of clinical care you would receive at home.

Can I receive help with daily living while on home health?

Yes, many patients benefit from combining home health services with personal home care assistance. While home health focuses on clinical care, personal care services can help with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship, and transportation. Some limited personal care services may be covered during your care, but they are often funded separately through insurance or other programs.

What does “homebound” mean?

To qualify for Medicare-covered home health services, a patient must be considered homebound. This means leaving the home requires considerable effort or is not medically advisable. A person may qualify as homebound if they need assistive devices, special transportation, or help from another person, or if leaving the home worsens their condition. However, brief and infrequent outings for non-medical reasons, such as attending church, going to the salon, or participating in special family events, do not affect homebound status.

Which doctor will oversee my care while on home health?

You do not need to change your doctor to receive home health services. Your primary care physician initiates the referral, and our clinical team works closely with them to develop and adjust your care plan. Communication is ongoing to ensure your treatment remains aligned with your medical needs.

How long can I receive home health services?

Home health services are typically provided in 60-day periods, divided into two 30-day benefit cycles. At the end of each period, your eligibility is reassessed. As long as there is a continued medical need, services can be extended and may continue for as long as necessary.

Hospice Care FAQs

Are your caregivers insured and bonded?

Yes, all caregivers are employees of Active Personal Care and go through a thorough hiring process that includes extensive background checks. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, every caregiver is covered under general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

How can I verify a shift was completed?

Caregivers are only able to clock in and out when they are within a designated geographic range of your home. During each visit, they document notes, activities, and care provided using an electronic charting system. Our office team monitors all scheduled visits and can confirm whether a shift was completed. If you ever have concerns, you are always welcome to contact us for verification.

Do I pay the caregiver directly?

No, you will never need to pay a caregiver directly. Active Personal Care handles all billing and will send invoices twice per month for the services provided.

Do I need a physician’s order to receive personal care services?

No, personal care services are non-clinical, so a physician’s order is not required. You can begin services whenever you choose and continue them for as long as needed.

Are caregivers trained in CPR and first aid?

Yes, all caregivers are trained and certified in CPR and basic first aid to ensure they are prepared to respond in case of an emergency.

I am feeling burned out as a caregiver. What can I do?

Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding, and feeling burned out is more common than many people realize. Seeking support does not mean you have failed; it means you recognize the importance of maintaining your own well-being. Active Personal Care can step in to provide reliable support and give you the time you need to rest and recharge.

Can you provide transportation to appointments or errands?

Yes, our caregivers can assist with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands. Mileage reimbursement may apply depending on the distance traveled.

Can I receive nursing services while on personal care?

Yes, private duty nursing services can be added to your personal care plan. These services may include vital sign monitoring and medication assistance, and additional rates may apply.

Will my loved one have the same caregiver each time?

We understand that consistency builds trust and comfort, so we make every effort to assign the same caregiver whenever possible. However, depending on scheduling needs and the number of hours required, it may be necessary to have more than one caregiver involved in providing care.

What does personal care cost?

Personal care services are billed on an hourly basis, and the cost depends on factors such as the number of hours needed, the time of day services are provided, and the level of care required. We offer a free in-home consultation to create a personalized care plan and provide an accurate cost estimate.

How is my personal information protected?

Active Personal Care follows strict federal and state regulations to protect your personal and health information. Your information is kept confidential and is never shared with unauthorized individuals without your consent.

How do I know if someone needs personal care services?

There are often subtle signs that indicate a need for additional support. These may include changes in personal hygiene, loss of interest in daily activities, difficulty completing routine tasks, memory issues, unpaid bills, or an increase in minor health concerns. Recognizing these changes early can help ensure safety and quality of life.

What services are included in personal care?

Personal care services are designed to support daily living and independence. Care may include assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, grocery shopping, and transportation to appointments. Caregivers can also help with bathing, dressing, companionship, and supervision. In some cases, additional services such as medication assistance or basic health monitoring may be provided.

How can I ensure my loved one is safe when I leave the house?

Certain conditions, such as dementia, can increase the risk of wandering or unsafe behavior when a person is left alone. Personal care services can provide companionship and supervision, giving you peace of mind while you take care of your own responsibilities.

Can you provide physical therapy under personal care?

No, physical therapy is a clinical service that must be provided by a licensed healthcare professional. If physical therapy is needed, it may be covered under home health services. Our team can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.