How Much Is Palliative Care at Home?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
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Sarah has produced thousands of articles in diverse niches over her decade-long career as a full-time freelance writer. This includes substantial content in the fields of senior care and health care. She has experience writing about wide-ranging topics, such as types of care, care costs, funding options, state Medicaid programs and senior resources.
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Kristi Bickmann, a licensed Long-Term Care Specialist, represents top-rated "Traditional" & "Hybrid" LTC companies. Serving associations such as the American Nurses Association, she's a licensed insurance agent in 27 states. Specializing in insurance products for seniors, Kristi helps hundreds of families every year protect assets, retirement, and loved ones. She understands aging concerns firsthand, having assisted her own parents. Kristi ensures accuracy on topics about senior long-term care and its consequences.
Palliative care at home is around $150+ daily, although costs vary significantly depending on individuals’ conditions, care needs and location. Distinct from hospice care, which focuses on comfort care for those nearing the end of their lives, palliative care applies to any serious issue. Most people qualify for financial assistance.
In-Home Palliative Care Versus In-Home Hospice Care
Although both provide pain management, ease symptoms and offer physical and emotional comfort, hospice and palliative care differ. In-home hospice care provides end-of-life support for those with a terminal condition. Doctors must certify such care as necessary, and individuals must have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Services include skilled nursing, therapies, counseling and social services.
Palliative care provides comfort and pain relief at any stage of a serious condition; it doesn’t only cover those who are close to death. It brings relief to those experiencing chronic, severe, life-limiting or terminal conditions. Unlike hospice, individuals may also continue curative treatments alongside palliative measures.
Financial Assistance for Palliative Care
Medicare generally only covers in-home palliative care for those on the hospice path. However, individuals may qualify for funding to cover home health care services. Home health agencies provide skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapies.
Individuals may qualify for medically necessary in-home comfort care via Medicaid and VA benefits. Many long-term care insurance policies also cover palliative care in a senior’s home. Local charities operate in many areas to help those experiencing financial hardship while managing a serious health condition.