If you have a loved one with a life-limiting illness, their doctor may recommend hospice care. However, you’ll need to understand more about what’s covered by Medicare and what it entails before you decide on this service. The following guide can help you prepare to contact a home health care agency and request assistance or look into other options. 

What Hospice Services are Covered by Medicare? 

With Medicare, a patient in hospice care is eligible for doctor and nursing care, which would encompass speech and physical therapy. You also have access to any medical equipment that you need, such as walkers, wheelchairs, catheters, bandages, and any necessary medications, including painkillers.

You can also receive in-home caregiver assistance with daily tasks and diet planning, in addition to social work services and counseling for mental and emotional health. When necessary, Medicare also provides short-term respite care to temporarily relieve caregivers. 

While all these services are offered by Medicare, they are provided based upon personal needs. The services you receive will depend on your health and capabilities. 

What Determines Eligibility? 

In many cases, both your doctor and a hospice director must certify that you have a serious illness that severely limits your ability to care for yourself. You must also sign a statement indicating that you’d rather have hospice care than other types of Medicare benefits, although you can still use benefits for issues that are unrelated to your illness. Additionally, when you choose a hospice program, it must be approved by Medicare before it will cover the expenses. 

 
If you’re considering hospice care, contact Advantage Home & Health Hospice to find a skilled and compassionate caregiver. Located in Poteau, OK, they’ve offered top-notch physical therapy and elderly care for more than 50 years and proudly earned a four-star rating with Certified Medicare & Medicaid Services. They’ll help you assess whether in-home senior care or moving to a long-term residential facility would be a better choice for your situation. They ensure that their patients always enjoy lives of high quality and comfort. Learn more about their services by calling (918) 647-0653 or messaging them online.