My wife has late stage dementia. The Hospice company says she should qualify for Medicare's 100% paid Hospice benefits (terminal with 6 months). I want to care for my wife at home with the aid of the Hospice company's nurses and aids. We can not qualify for Medicaid because our family income is over the Medicaid limit. Should we use Hospice? What are the cons of using a Hospice company?
FAQ's on hospice.
9. What specific assistance does hospice provide home-based patients?
Hospice patients are cared for by a team consisting of a physician, a nurse, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and volunteers. Each one provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise. In addition, hospices provide medications, supplies, equipment, and other services related to the terminal illness.
10. Does hospice provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Hospice staff is on call for emergencies 24 hours a day. Hospice care does not include a nurse in the home 24/7. If you require more care than can be provided in the home, some hospices have their own inpatient facilities. Most communities have nursing homes, inpatient residential centers and hospitals with hospice care options.
The Hospice we had for my Mom, Hospice had a schedule and we found the Nurse would stop to see my Mom to check vital signs, make any changes to medicine, and to answer any of my questions.... then she leaves to go to her next set of patients. A bath Aide will stop by to help bathe my Mom and change her clothes. A volunteer may stop by a couple times a week to be company for my Mom for a hour hour or so, to give you a break. A person of religion would also stop by [depending on your faith].
Depending on your Hospice, they could arrange to have a rented hospital bed delivered to your home, along with a wheelchair, and a geri-recliner. Other items are also given free to you via Hospice [which is paid by Medicare].
I do recommend, if your budget can handle it, to have a paid Agency Caregiver come to the house for a couple hours every day to give you a break.
Have you seen and Eldercare attorney about geting your wife qualified for Medicaid?
I can't think of any cons.