Understanding Our Services
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Understanding Home Care, Palliative Care and Hospice Care Options
When you or a loved one faces illness or disability, in-home care provides comfort, independence and improved quality of life. MercyOne home care and hospice agencies offer a range of services to meet your needs, with compassionate experts assisting at every step.
We know it can be challenging to differentiate between the many forms of in-home care - especially when managing health issues or caring for a sick loved one. Services and terminology overlap, raising questions. This guide outlines key differences and helps you choose the care best suited to your unique situation and needs.
Discover which option is right for you or your loved one:
| Service | Home Health Care (also known as Home Care) |
Palliative Care |
Hospice Care | Private Duty/Personal Care (Not Offered) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | A range of in-home services, including skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapy, and assistance with daily activities, to aid patient recovery in the comfort of home. |
|
Comfort-centered care for those with terminal illnesses. Care focuses on maximizing the quality of remaining days through pain management, emotional and spiritual counseling, and help with daily living. |
Personalized in-home care, companionship, and assistance with daily activities. Care may be medical or non-medical in nature and offers helpful respite for family caregivers. |
| Services |
|
• Skilled nursing care • Pain and symptom management • Emotional and spiritual counseling for coping with serious illness • Education regarding care options • Care coordination • Help with activities of daily living • Medication and medical supply management • Advance care planning help |
• Skilled nursing care • Pain and symptom management • Emotional, spiritual, and grief counseling • Bereavement support for loved ones • Help with activities of daily living • Medication and medical supply management • Guidance documenting end-of-life wishes |
• Nursing services • Frequent assistance with tasks of daily living, such as bathing and dressing • 24/7 care option • Medication administration • Non-clinical support, such as light housekeeping or meal preparation • Companionship and supervision • Respite for primary caregivers |
| Who These Services Support |
|
Those with a complex illness, such as cancer, dementia, heart failure or lung disease. | Individuals with a life-limiting, terminal illness, as well as their loved ones. | People requiring additional medical or non-medical support and companionship. Private duty can also aid primary caregivers needing relief from full-time obligations. |
| Getting Started | Learn about how our home care services can aid in your recovery and rehabilitation, and contact us today. |
Palliative care can ease the challenges of serious illness. Read more about starting our palliative care services. | Discover how our hospice care services can provide dignity and improved quality of life for those facing terminal illness. |
MercyOne home care and hospice agencies do not provide private duty services. Please discuss options with your doctor to determine the best care path ahead. |
Every person’s situation is unique. If you have questions, please get in touch with our caring and knowledgeable team – we can help you identify the best types of care for your specific needs.