Senior Living FAQs

Hospice provides Medical care for people with an anticipated life expectancy of 6 months or less, when cure isn’t an option, and the focus shifts to symptom management and quality of life. Although, many people have lived for years after being placed in hospice – no one can predict the ending of ones life. Hospice is a Medicare benefit; to which all Medicare enrollees have a right. Hospice care also is covered by most private health insurance at varying levels, and in almost every state, by Medicaid. Hospice provides an interdisciplinary team of professionals trained to address physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the person; the team also supports family members and other intimate unpaid caregivers. It is specialty care that is person-centered, stressing coordination of care, clarification of goals of care, and communication. Hospice is provided primarily wherever a person lives, whether that is a private residence, nursing home, or community living arrangement, allowing the patient to be with important objects, memories, and family. Hospice care includes periodic visits to the patient and family caregivers by hospice team members. Hospice providers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond if patient or caregiver concerns arise. Hospice is the only medical care that includes bereavement care, which is available during the illness and for more than a year after the death for the family/intimate network.

Homelife is an all-inclusive private pay resident care facility for the elderly. However, many state and federal programs offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. For instance, both veterans and their spouses may be eligible to receive help with assisted living costs through “Aid and Attendance”. Some long-term insurance policies may also cover part or all of the costs for assisted living care. Medicare will not cover assisted living but will handle the costs for home health agencies to care for their patients who are in assisted living. This can include nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as diabetes and insulin management. Medicaid is the foremost government assistance program paying for long term care for people who can’t afford it on their own.