You can take steps to protect yourself from developing cardiovascular disease, even if you are at risk. The best way to prevent this condition is by following a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight as well as getting enough sleep and regular checkups with your doctor.
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It is important to plan for the future and empower ourselves with options that meet our needs and desires. When faced with a life-limiting or terminal illness, many decisions must be made. These decisions can involve financial matters, advance directives, funeral arrangements, how the last days of life will be spent, and other issues. Even though discussing these issues may bring up feelings regarding difficult losses and changes, it is important to be proactive and to communicate in order to ensure choice and control during difficult times.
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Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the federal government for qualifying individuals, including people age 65 and older, those with certain disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Some people may confuse Medicaid and Medicare programs. The primary difference is that Medicaid is a needs-based insurance program while Medicare isn’t. Your income isn’t a determining factor for Medicare qualification.
There are monthly premiums for certain parts of Medicare. Additionally, Medicare does have some limitations and regulations on what it’ll cover for health care costs. Read on to learn more about each part of Medicare, what’s covered, and how to enroll.
When you become eligible for Medicare, you have choices to make. First, you must decide whether you’ll enroll in Part A and B or Part A only and defer Part B. Most people choose Part A because it is premium-free. If you’re enrolled in a health savings account (HSA), you won’t be able to continue contributing to it if you enroll in Part A. Once your A and B choices are made, you can keep Original Medicare and add a supplement and Part D plan or opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Here’s what each part of Medicare covers and costs:
| Medicare Part A | Medicare Part A is considered the hospital insurance portion of Original Medicare. It covers costs associated with hospital stays and limited stays at a nursing home, hospice care, and some costs for home health care.You don’t have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you or your spouse paid qualifying taxes during employment. If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can pay for it. The premium amount you have to pay varies based on how long you or your spouse worked while paying qualifying Medicare taxes. For instance, if you paid taxes for less than 30 quarters, you’ll pay $499 per month based on 2022 premiums. But if you worked and paid taxes between 30 and 39 quarters, you’ll only pay a $274 monthly premium. |
| Medicare Part B | Medicare Part B is considered the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare. It covers things like trips to the doctor’s office for a checkup or a sick visit, any outpatient care you might receive, certain medical supplies, and preventive care like an annual wellness visit.Nearly everyone pays a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. The standard amount for 2022 is $170.10. If your gross income on your tax return is high enough, you’ll be required to pay both the standard monthly premium and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). You’re also responsible for 20% of the costs of your health services after your annual deductible ($233 in 2022) is met. |
| Medicare Part C | Medicare Part C, commonly referred to as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan as an alternative to Original Medicare, it becomes your primary coverage. Think of Medicare Part C as a “Medicare bundle” because it covers everything that Part A and Part B do. Most Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage. Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer additional coverage for dental and vision and even fitness memberships. For example, Medicare Part C covers in-patient hospital stays, stays in a skilled nursing facility, and home health care like Original Medicare Part A. Part C also covers outpatient care like Medicare Part B does, including doctor visits, lab tests. X-rays, outpatient surgery, and emergency services.Original Medicare Part A and Part B only cover 80% of the costs of services received. Meanwhile, Medicare Part C plans cover everything Part A and Part B cover but charge a small copayment and coinsurance for services. Most Medicare Advantage plans also have maximum out-of-pocket costs per year, and many come with a $0 monthly premium, which can make these plans more affordable. The costs of Medicare Advantage plans vary since private companies offer them, but you can expect to pay both a monthly premium and a monthly Part B premium, unless the plan is a $0 premium plan. Plan costs can vary depending on whether other benefits like Part D, dental, vision, and hearing are included. |
| Medicare Part D | Medicare Part D refers to prescription drug coverage, so it’ll help cover the costs of medications prescribed for your health condition. Individual Medicare drug plans use a formulary developed by a pharmacy and therapeutics committee composed of pharmacists and physicians to regulate which medications they’ll cover. The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) must approve the formulary. Part D plans are required to offer two medications in all categories necessary to treat your health condition. In most cases, if a name-brand medication isn’t covered, a generic will be.Medicare Part D does have costs associated with it. The costs vary based on which type of plan you choose. In general, you can expect to pay a monthly premium ― this can be deducted directly from your Social Security if you choose ― and a yearly deductible. The deductible can’t be more than $480 in 2022. You’ll pay a copayment or coinsurance percentage for each drug after your deductible is met. If you have low income and resources, you may be able to get help with Part D costs through Extra Help. |
| Medigap | Medigap insurance is commonly known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance. As the name implies, it’s used as supplemental insurance to cover health care costs that Original Medicare does not. You can only purchase Medigap insurance if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare. It cannot be used with a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medigap insurance is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.You pay a monthly premium for Medigap as well as your regular monthly Part B Medicare premium. Your Medigap premium is paid directly to the private insurance company you got your Medigap policy through while the Part B premium is paid to Social Security.Medigap insurance can help cover your deductible costs, copayments, and coinsurance under Original Medicare. For people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Medigap insurance can no longer cover the Part B deductible. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may be able to purchase Plan C or F, which will cover the Medicare Part B deductible cost. If you already have a Plan C or F, you can keep it. Medigap insurance can’t be used to cover the costs of certain health expenses, including long-term care, vision care, and eyeglass, dental care, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing care. |
Original Medicare doesn’t cover certain health services and costs, including:
There are a few different ways to enroll in Medicare. Some people are enrolled in Medicare automatically, and others will have to sign up on their own. Everyone should check with Social Security three months before their expected start date to ensure everything is in order.
You’ll be enrolled automatically in Medicare if you:
You’ll have to enroll in Medicare on your own if you:
There are also some individual circumstances that may change the timing of your enrollment. For instance, if you have employer-sponsored insurance, you may be able to wait to apply for Medicare Part B instead of being required to apply when you turn 65.
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare is a seven-month period beginning three months before you turn 65, the month in which you turn 65, and three months after you turn 65. For example, if you turn 65 on June 14, your IEP is from March 1 through September 30.
If you don’t sign up during your initial enrollment period, and you aren’t covered by an employer health plan or are volunteering overseas for at least 12 months, you’ll begin accruing Part B late enrollment penalties. You’ll only be able to enroll during the General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1st.
Medicare Advantage plans cannot start before your Part B start date, so if you don’t enroll in Part B by the end of your IEP, you’ll have to wait until the GEP for Medicare Advantage enrollment also. If you enroll in Part B during the GEP, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D) between April 1 and June 30. Your Medigap open enrollment period starts the first month you have Part B and lasts for six months.
Your Medicare coverage start date depends on when you enroll. Remember, during the IEP, you can enroll three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after you turn 65.
For example:
| When You Enroll | When Coverage Starts | Example: Turning 65 on May 10 |
| The three months before you turn 65 | The first day of the month you turn 65 | May 1 |
| The month you turn 65 | The first day of the month after you turn 65 | June 1 |
| The month after you turn 65 | Two months after you sign up | August 1 |
| Two or three months after you turn 65 | Three months after you sign up | October 1 (if you enroll in July)November 1 (if you enroll in August) |
If you enroll during your IEP, you can coordinate your ancillary coverage, that is, Medigap and Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage to start the same day as your Medicare Part A and B coverage.
If you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, coverage generally starts the month after your sign-up.
When you’re ready to apply for Medicare, you can fill out an online application through the Social Security website or in-person at your local Social Security office.
This article was originally published by Medicareplans.com and republished here with permission.
Hospice provides medications that address symptoms related to the terminal diagnosis. All medications are prescribed by the attending physician and delivered by a courier service to the patient’s home. Medications are available to the patient 24 hours a day. The hospice nurse is responsible for ordering medications and will arrange for delivery at a time convenient to the patient/family. Let the office know if the patient is running low on any medication.
Medical supplies, walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen and other medical equipment that would be of service can be delivered to the patient’s home. Elite Hospice orders this equipment, which is delivered by our supplier. Equipment that is no longer needed will be retrieved by the equipment company at the request of the patient, family, or an IDG member.
Hospice is a type of care, not a place. Hospice can happen wherever a patient calls home. This could be in a Skilled Nursing Home (SNF), an Assisted Living Facility (ALF), Independent Living Facility (IL), their home – such as a house or an apartment, even a hotel or homeless shelter.
Hospice Care in a skilled nursing facility is quite similar to home hospice care. Hospice manages all care related to the patient’s terminal diagnosis. In many cases, the staff of the nursing facility acts as the primary caregiver (a role that must be filled by family, friends, or in-home staff when hospice is given at home — see our section on The Caregiver’s Role). Elite Hospice collaborates with each facility in which our patients reside to develop a coordinated Plan of Care, which ensures that all caretakers are working together to meet the patient and family’s needs, wishes, and goals.
It is important that the entire team, staff, and volunteers communicate effectively with facility staff when visiting a patient.
The following levels of care are available under this benefit.
This is the most frequently used level of care. Under a Routine Level of Care, the Hospice Team is available on a scheduled basis and is available for consultation or to make a visit 24 hours a day. Visit frequency is determined by the IDG in response to the patient’s needs and is documented in the Plan of Care.
Short-term inpatient care may be used during times when a patient and/or family has an immediate and apparent need. This level of care is most often needed for pain control or acute symptom management and can only be provided in a Skilled Nursing Facility or hospital that is contracted with Elite Hospice. Once symptoms are well-managed, the patient will be returned to the routine level of care, in the current setting, or at home.
Most of Elite Hospice’s patients utilize a Medicare or Medicaid benefit. This usually covers 100% of the cost of Hospice. Some patients use private or commercial insurance. These patients often have a co-pay. Because we receive money from the federal government for Hospice services we have to follow their guidelines. Hospice is required to pay for the “people” and the “stuff” as shown above for our patients when it is related to the terminal diagnosis or to comfort. We are also responsible for moving patients to different levels of care if their symptoms require it.
Inpatient respite care is available to home patients in order to give the caregiver relief and is limited to five consecutive days. This level of care is provided in a skilled nursing facility.
Continuous care is provided when symptoms need acute management in order to prevent hospitalization. Under the continuous care benefit, a minimum period of eight hours of care is provided during a 24-hour day. Nursing care by either a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) must be provided for more than half of this period of care.
When diagnosed with a life=threatening illness, a person begins a new journey in life. Each journey is unique, and we all handle death in our own way. As time progresses toward a person’s death, that person will undergo some changes. The person will prepare physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Few things about death and dying are predictable- nobody knows when it will happen, how it will happen, who will be present, or what feelings it will bring up. A patient and family must be prepared to work through this process as it unfolds, discovering the patient’s own unique journey. The wishes of the patient should be followed whenever possible.
On the physical level, the body begins the final process of shitting down. Usually, these are an orderly and undramatic progressive series of physical changes, which are not medical emergencies. These physical changes are normal and may occur quickly or over a period of time.
The person’s hands, arms, feet, then legs may be increasingly cool to the touch and the color of the skin may change. The underside of the body may become darker and the skin becomes mottled. This is a normal indication that the circulation of blood is decreasing to the body’s extremities and being reserved for the most vital organs. Keep the person warm with a blanket, but do not use an electric blanket or heating pad.
The person may spend an increasing amount of time sleeping, appear to be uncommunicative or unresponsive, and at times, difficult to arouse. This normal change is due in part to changes in the metabolism of the body. Sit with them; hold his or her hand. Speak softly and naturally. Speak to him/her directly as you normally would, even though there may be no response. Never assume the person cannot hear; hearing is the last sense to be lost.
The person may seem to be confused about the time, place, and identity of people surrounding him/her, including those close and familiar. This is also due in part to metabolic and oxygen supply changes. Identify yourself by name before you speak. Speak softly, clearly, and truthfully when you need to communicate something important to the patient’s comfort such as “it is time to take your medication” and explain the reason for the communication such as “so you won’t begin to hurt”.
The person may lose control of bladder and/or bowels as the muscles in that area begin to relax. Discuss with the hospice nurse what can be done to protect the bed and keep the patient clean and comfortable.
You may hear gurgling sounds coming from the person’s throat or chest as though marbles were rolling around inside. These sounds may become very loud. This normal change is due to the decrease of fluid intake and inability to cough up normal secretions. Suctioning usually only increases the secretions and causes sharp discomfort. Gently turn the person’s head to the side to allow gravity to drain secretions. You may also gently wipe the mouth with a moist cloth. The sound of the congestion does not indicate the onset of severe or new pain.
The person may make restless and repetitive motions such as pulling at the bed linen or clothing. This often happens and is due, in part, to the decrease in oxygen circulation to the brain and to metabolism changes. Do not interfere with or try to restrain such motions. Talk to the Elite Hospice team about methods to assist in relaxing the person.
The person’s urine output normally decreases and may become tea-colored, referred to as concentrated urine. This is due to the decreased fluid intake as well as decrease in circulation through the Kidneys.
The person may have a decrease in appetite and thirst, wanting little or no food or fluid. The body will naturally begin to conserve energy for other functions that would otherwise be used in digestion. Swallowing and normal reflexes can become sluggish and nourishment by mouth can carry the risk of choking. Do not try to force food or drink into the person. Doing this only makes the person much more uncomfortable. Although it can be difficult to disassociate food with love, refusal of offered nourishment is a choice that needs to be honored. Small chips of ice, frozen Gatorade, or juice might be refreshing in the mouth. If the person is able to swallow, fluids may be given in small amounts by syringe (ask hospice nurse for guidance). You can try raising the head of the bed to make swallowing easier. Elite Hospice can provide glycerin swabs to help keep the mouth and lips moist and comfortable.
The person’s breathing pattern may change becoming more labored, irregular, or noisy. The person may breathe deeply and then pause for a long time – 10 seconds to a minute – before breathing resumes. This is called apnea and causes the person no discomfort. These patterns are very common and indicate decrease in circulation in the internal organs. You may want to elevate the head or turn the person on his/her side. 18
In addition to physical/medical symptoms, the process of dying includes the spirit beginning the final process of release from the body, its immediate environment, and all emotional attachments. This release tends to follow its own priorities, including the resolution of unfinished business, reconciliation, affirmation of close relationships, and accepting permission from family members to let go. Support and encourage this transition.
The person may seem unresponsive, withdrawn, or in a comatose-like state. This indicates preparation for release, a detaching from surroundings and relationships, and a beginning of letting go. Since hearing remains until the end, speak to the patient in your normal tone of voice, identify yourself by name when you speak, hold his/her hand, and say whatever you need to say that will help the person “let go.”
The person may speak to or claim to have spoken to persons who have already died. He/she may see or have seen places or things not presently accessible or visible to you. This doesn’t indicate a hallucination or drug reaction. This person is beginning to detach from this life and is being prepared for the transition. You may hear the hospice team refer to this process as “celestializing.” Affirm his or her experiences—just because you cannot see or hear these things does not mean they are not real to the patient. If they frighten the patient, explain to him/her that these visions are normal and common. The Chaplain may be a good resource in this situation.
Your loved one may want to be alone or with only a few people. This is a sign of preparation for release and an affirmation of whom the support is most needed in order to make the appropriate transition. If you are not part of this “inner circle” at the end, it does not mean you are not loved or important. It means you have already fulfilled your task with him/her, and it is time for you to say goodbye. If you are part of the final “inner circle” of support, the person needs your affirmation, support, and permission.
Giving permission to your loved one to let go without making him/her feel guilty for leaving or trying to keep him/her with you to meet your own needs can be difficult. Despite prolonged discomfort, a dying person may hold on to be sure that those who are going to be left behind will be all right. Therefore, your ability to release the dying person from this concern assure him/her that it is all right to let go whenever he/she is ready is one of the greatest gifts you have to give your loved one at this time.
When the person is ready to die, then it is time to say goodbye. Saying goodbye is the final gift of love to the patient, for it achieves closure and makes the final release possible. Family members may find it helpful to lie in bed with the person and hold him/her or to take his/her hand and say everything they need to say. It may be as simple as saying “I love you.” It may include recounting favorite memories, places, and activities you shared. It may include saying, “I’m sorry for whatever I contributed to any tensions or difficulties in our relationship.” It may also include saying “Thank you for…” Tears are a normal and natural part of saying goodbye. Tears do not need to be hidden from the patient or apologized for. Tears are an expression of love and may assist in “letting go.”
Elite Hospice Social Workers and Chaplains can be available to provide additional support during this time. It may also be helpful to seek a spiritual advisor with whom the patient has a relationship to come and provide reassurance and support during the last days. In addition, some volunteers specialize in what is called “11th hour support,” and are there to serve the patient and family may have throughout the dying process.
How will you know when death has occurred?
Signs of death include no breathing, no heartbeat, release of bowel and bladder matter, no movement of arms and legs, fixed eyes, no blinking, relaxed jaw, and slightly open mouth.
If you are with the patient at the time of his/her death:
Death comes to us all and most of us will experience numerous deaths of loved ones. Each one will affect us in different ways. After the patient’s death, be sure to express your needs with the Elite Team and your family and friends. Find some alone time to reflect if you need to. This will be a period when you start the grieving process, which is necessary in healing. The Elite Hospice team will be there to assist during this process.
As your loved ones enter their golden years, their home becomes their sanctuary. But if they’ve kept all the tokens of love over the years, their home is probably too cluttered for them to navigate safely. This can be a health hazard, both physically (tripping and falling over things) or mentally (hoarding).
Here are some tips to declutter your loved ones’ homes and help them lessen their belongings so that they can remain safe and happy in their living spaces.
Your elderly loved ones have spent decades with their belongings- especially if they’ve remained in the same home- and they have created an emotional attachment to many of the items in the house. Although each item may have a special place in their hearts, the more items in the house, the more dangerous navigating between the clutter becomes. Help them see the safety benefits of organizing and decluttering so that they will change their attitude about the decluttering process.
Always remember to start small. You don’t want to overwhelm your loved ones by renting a dumpster for a weekend and completely gutting their house. Be satisfied with baby steps in the right direction. Try starting with one room- or even a cupboard- so that your loved one can work through the process of decluttering with you. Remember: Patience is always important in these situations.
The process to declutter your parents’ home can be long and difficult. But if you remember to keep safety at the top of your priority list, find a good support system, go slowly and steadily, put everything in a box, and keep the heirlooms, the level of stress and hardship will be minimized.
When death is accepted as a natural part of life, hope changes but does not disappear. A person faced with serious, life-limiting, or terminal illness need not stop reaching for wishes and dreams. Elite Home Health & Hospice has a bias toward saying yes, and we focus on enhancing and maintaining the quality of life as defined by each patient and family.
Hospice is a philosophy aimed at providing palliative (comfort) care to patients in their end-of-life stages. To carry out these services, Elite Home Health and Hospice utilizes a medically-directed Interdisciplinary Group that involves patients, their families, professionals, and volunteers. We believe that a “family” includes anyone significant to the patient, regardless of blood relation.
The goals of palliation are comfort, dignity, and quality of life. The difference between this and other treatments designed to cure or control a disease is that palliative care focuses on the person living with the disease rather than on the disease itself. People may choose palliation before “all else has failed” if, in their experience, the burdens of continued curative treatment outweigh its benefits. While Interdisciplinary Team members have expertise in hospice and palliative care, they are not experts in any individual situation. The only experts are the patient and family. They are in charge of determining how their care is planned.
Every effort is made by the hospice team to provide maximum physical comfort for the patient. Hospice then focuses on the heads and hearts of those experiencing the disease process–preparing emotionally and spiritually for death. Elite Home Health and Hospice considers it just as important to provide these services to family members as we do to our patients. This is one reason why we provide bereavement counseling for all those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Palliative care does not automatically include nor exclude any specific treatment or approach. Hospice looks at each difficult symptom–from physical pain to anxiety and isolation–and outlines options for addressing that symptom. Multiple choices are always available. The benefits and burdens of each option are considered, and the patient and family select the option that feels most comfortable.
Elite Home Health and Hospice was created by seasoned hospice professionals who are committed to providing care that exceeds all expectations. We do this without prejudice in an environment that supports the integrity and dignity of all people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You may not think of yourself as a caregiver, but anyone who helps someone else because that person is no longer able to manage some or all of the activities of daily life is considered a caregiver. Whether the caregiver is a relative, spouse, friend, neighbor, volunteer, or medical professional, it is important to identify the caregiver role.
Your journey in the caregiving role may include a wide variety of experiences. While there are often many intrinsic benefits to caregiving – spending time with a cherished loved one, feeling needed, the opportunity to serve – there may also be challenges and special considerations you must take.
Your role as a caregiver is very important, as another individual depends on you. If your well-being suffers, you may become unable to care for another. So, if you’ve accepted the caregiver role, you also have a special responsibility to take care of yourself. That means assessing and taking care of your own physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, interpersonal, and financial needs. When you have attended to your own needs, you will have so much more to give to the person you’re caring for.
Your Physical Health
Physical health is a key caregiver concern. This begins with adequate rest every night. If this is not always possible, then try to fit in naps or break periods during the day. A regular bedtime and a light snack or warm milk may help you fall asleep. Beyond daily rest, you may need periodic breaks from caregiving, and you can plan for a period of respite, such as a long weekend. Discuss this option with a member of your hospice team.
Physical exercise is also important. Regular exercise, for instance, will strengthen you for the rigors of caring for another who needs assistance with their own movement. Generally, physical exercise will help you rest better. It is recommended that you aim for a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise four times a week. Fresh air and sunshine can also lift your spirits, and nature is a great healer.
Good nutrition will facilitate your own health and vigor and support a healthy immune system. If you receive offers of help from others during this time, request a nutritious meal – it is a simple way for others to support you. Any physical illness or healthcare needs should be attended to promptly in order to shorten your recovery time.
Emotional needs
Emotional health is closely related to overall health, but may be overlooked. Caregivers experience the full range of human emotions – including anger, guilt, impatience, depression, helplessness, love, loneliness, and isolation – sometimes all at the same time.
At times you may tell yourself that some of these feelings are “good” and others “bad.” Rather than label them, it is important to know that all these feelings are normal. Acknowledge your feelings. Accept them. Realize that your situation is not unique and many other caregivers share these feelings.
It may help to have a close friend or confidant you can call daily. It helps to talk to another person so you don’t become overwhelmed. You might choose to create a list of people you can call. Remember, your Elite team is also available to listen and act as a resource for emotional support – we are here not only for the patient but for family and caregivers as well.
Due to the number of tasks that need to be completed, stress is almost inevitable in caregiving, and it is often compounded by inadequate rest. While there is often little to be done to change the circumstances creating stress, there are many ways to cope with it.
The following are some suggestions to help alleviate some of your stress:
Spiritual Needs
Spirituality is highly personal, widely defined, and important to many individuals. Some find their time as a caregiver reinforces and strengthens their spirituality. Others may be challenged to find the time to participate in their previous spiritual or religious practices while busy with the demands of caregiving. If your personal spirituality is important to you, you may need to temporarily adjust your caregiving. You might add a regular quiet time to your day for prayer, contemplation, or meditation. Time spent in nature can be rejuvenating. Inspirational reading or music may help you stay connected to your spiritual source. Your Elite Hospice chaplain is available to talk to you and direct you toward helpful resources.
Making It Happen
Who has time for all of this? Keep in mind that one activity may help to achieve balance in your life. For example, a walk with a friend provides physical exercise and social interaction and is emotionally and spiritually uplifting. Hobby groups may relieve stress and allow you to discuss current events. Singing in a choir provides a change of scenery, a creative outlet, and social contact.
The most important thing is to begin. It may be difficult to make many changes all at once, so select at least one or two areas to work on right away. Set a realistic goal for yourself to maintain your own well-being and regain a sense of control and balance. Elite Hospice team members know all about the caregiver role and can help you through any challenges you may encounter during this journey. Don’t hesitate to use them as your own resource.
Respite care services provide temporary in-home care for elderly or disabled individuals, allowing family caregivers to take some time off from their caregiving role while ensuring that their loved one is well cared for. At Elite, our in-home care program matches your loved one with one of our friendly and compassionate caregivers. Our professional staff can visit for a few hours a day or several times a week to provide family caregivers with the opportunity to run errands, go to work, take a vacation, or simply rest and recharge.
You can feel exhausted while caring for an older adult loved one who needs help 24-hours a day. During these situations, Elite Home Health and Hospice can provide well-deserved respite services for family caregivers and offer necessary assistance to their loved ones. Our professional respite care services will restore your peace of mind and you can rest assured that you or your older adult loved one is in the caring hands of skilled professionals, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
When our caregivers visit, they will quickly put your loved one at ease. While engaging in friendly conversation, caregivers can also provide assistance with a wide variety of home care needs. Our caregivers can help your loved one with dressing and bathing, transferring assistance, and other personal care needs. They can also help around the house performing simple chores and preparing healthy meals. The valuable care we provide makes it easy for your loved one to look forward to these visits and can help relieve the anxiety or guilt you may feel by stepping away for a few hours.
Caring for an elderly or disabled loved one is a labor of love that can prove stressful over time. Respite care can help prevent the troubling symptoms of caregiver burnout, including:
Learn about the differences between Home Health and Hospice.
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