“I feel so isolated.” This was mom’s response after hearing of yet another family invitation I’d received by text. Mom’s eyesight does not allow her to participate in emailing, texting or Facebook, which in this age of communication through social media is a problem. After dad died, invitations came through me and for mom, it was one more loss. Instead of serving as “social … [Read more...]
Hospice, How Does This Business Work?
How Can Agencies Differ? Hospice programs are performed by licensed hospice agencies. Hospice agencies follow Medicare criteria for patient eligibility; however, each agency has some flexibility in facilitating their services. For example, a hospice agency may provide aide service on weekends. Hospices generally have some relationship with local hospitals and elder care … [Read more...]
Hospice, Who Pays for It?
Medicare is the Number One Payee for Hospice Care. Insurers that pay for Hospice care include: Medicare, Long Term Care Insurance, Private Pay, and in certain circumstances, Medicaid will pay for hospice. Here is the breakdown of insurers: (Jump to Lessons Learned) Medicare Over 90% of all hospice cases are covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit under Medicare Part A. … [Read more...]
The Two Biggest Misconceptions About Hospice
What Exactly is Hospice? My family recently lost a beloved member to cancer. The last days of my aunt’s life were spent at home with her family, under the guidance of a hospice agency. Hearing about their work and the support they gave to Aunt Mary Ellen and her family caregivers made me wonder, exactly what is hospice, who pays for it and how does it work? This first … [Read more...]
Medications to Watch Out For When Over 65
How to prevent medication errors and interactions I have written about what it takes for a loved one with a chronic illness to manage their medications in the blog article: 3 Tips for Taking Control of Medication But I am happy to revisit this topic by sharing with you an article from the American Recall Center: Over 65? Watch Out for These Medications. The impact of … [Read more...]