I got it for my father at a health care complex which also had rehab, which is the reason for the admission in the first place. He segued from rehab, into PC, then hospice, each with the recommendation and concurrence of the facility's attending physician, and social worker, who had to concur with the recommendation.
I don't recall whether or not PC could have been provided at home, but by the time my father needed it, he was unable to live at home, so the issue wasn't even raised.
When I chose that particular facility, PC and hospice weren't even considerations. I just lucked out.
You will need a doctor's recommendation. Start there, preferably with a physician who's treated your mother for some time and knows her well.
And be aware that home care doesn't provide a lot compared to in-facility care. Explore well what you'll get so you're not disappointed. I was when I began investigating home hospice care.
If you have a preferred facility, explore the issue with them as well to ensure that they provide that service.
Have you had your mom evaluated for hospice? Or are you under the assumption she doesn’t qualify because she’s not terminally illend of life? Hospice is not just for end of life care, so if there hasn’t been an evaluation done, ask the doctor for one. Because hospice would provide pallaitive care. And yes Medicare (part b) does cover palliative care.
Palliative care is not a program, like hospice. Palliative care is a care choice you discuss with your doctor. You let your doctor know that you are ready to go now. That you do not wish any tests that are for prevention. That you do not wish any treatments for your illnesses other than what you directly discuss with him. That your main goal now is comfort and "QUALITY" of life rather than a long life. Your Doc will help you make out an advance directive POLST that hangs on the refrigerator directing emergency personnel that you are a no code. You get a bracelet that says DNR/No Code. You write out full instructions as to what you will accept and what you will NOT (for instance any artificial food or fluid not accepted but will accept an IV for a morphine drip). So basically there are now Palliative Care doctors who do this work as a practice in larger cities. This is a conversation for you and your doctor, and good luck. There is also an option for you to refuse food, fluids and etc. but this is not for the faint of heart as it is quite uncomfortable for some days and you would need support at your bedside to do this. Explore the internet for all the options by looking up "end of life care", POLST, Palliative care. Wishing you every bit of good luck. I am 77 with an 85 year old brother. I know a bit of what you are feeling. Start to make note now of what you want, what you will accept, what you do not want, what you will not except in times of illness, in times when you are in need of care.
From what I read Palliative care is not paid for by Medicare. You need to check with your insurance company whether they cover Palliative care.
Here's what I found:
"Where Do I Receive Hospice or Palliative Care? Hospice care is delivered at home or in home-like hospice residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans' facilities, hospitals and other facilities. Palliative care teams typically work in a hospital. What Kind of Patients Choose Palliative Care? The American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified the characteristics of a patient who should receive palliative care but not curative treatment; these characteristics are applicable to patients with other diseases, too. The patient has limited ability to care for himself. The patient has received curative treatment and is no longer benefitting from it. The patient does not qualify for an appropriate clinical trial. There is no evidence that further treatment would be effective. Talk to your family and your doctor about your goals of care and whether palliative care and/or hospice might improve your quality of life."
Seems the person has to have an illness and be hospitalized. I think what you may need is Medicaid homecare. Your Mom would need to fit the criteria. Which means she is low income.
I don't recall whether or not PC could have been provided at home, but by the time my father needed it, he was unable to live at home, so the issue wasn't even raised.
When I chose that particular facility, PC and hospice weren't even considerations. I just lucked out.
You will need a doctor's recommendation. Start there, preferably with a physician who's treated your mother for some time and knows her well.
And be aware that home care doesn't provide a lot compared to in-facility care. Explore well what you'll get so you're not disappointed. I was when I began investigating home hospice care.
If you have a preferred facility, explore the issue with them as well to ensure that they provide that service.
Palliative care is a care choice you discuss with your doctor.
You let your doctor know that you are ready to go now. That you do not wish any tests that are for prevention. That you do not wish any treatments for your illnesses other than what you directly discuss with him. That your main goal now is comfort and "QUALITY" of life rather than a long life.
Your Doc will help you make out an advance directive POLST that hangs on the refrigerator directing emergency personnel that you are a no code. You get a bracelet that says DNR/No Code.
You write out full instructions as to what you will accept and what you will NOT (for instance any artificial food or fluid not accepted but will accept an IV for a morphine drip).
So basically there are now Palliative Care doctors who do this work as a practice in larger cities.
This is a conversation for you and your doctor, and good luck.
There is also an option for you to refuse food, fluids and etc. but this is not for the faint of heart as it is quite uncomfortable for some days and you would need support at your bedside to do this.
Explore the internet for all the options by looking up "end of life care", POLST, Palliative care. Wishing you every bit of good luck. I am 77 with an 85 year old brother. I know a bit of what you are feeling. Start to make note now of what you want, what you will accept, what you do not want, what you will not except in times of illness, in times when you are in need of care.
Here's what I found:
"Where Do I Receive Hospice or Palliative Care?
Hospice care is delivered at home or in home-like hospice residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans' facilities, hospitals and other facilities. Palliative care teams typically work in a hospital.
What Kind of Patients Choose Palliative Care?
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified the characteristics of a patient who should receive palliative care but not curative treatment; these characteristics are applicable to patients with other diseases, too.
The patient has limited ability to care for himself.
The patient has received curative treatment and is no longer benefitting from it.
The patient does not qualify for an appropriate clinical trial.
There is no evidence that further treatment would be effective.
Talk to your family and your doctor about your goals of care and whether palliative care and/or hospice might improve your quality of life."
Seems the person has to have an illness and be hospitalized. I think what you may need is Medicaid homecare. Your Mom would need to fit the criteria. Which means she is low income.