Hospice Definitions

Home Health Care Definitions

24 HOUR CARE – Refers to “around the clock treatment” in a home environment. The care may be shared by multiple caregivers or by a single caregiver.

24 HOUR ON CALL – Refers to someone being available 24 hours a day to speak with you.

CARDIAC CARE – Refers to services including patient assessment, specific diet information, and management of the disease process, medication management and education. Cardiac care is a program designed to help a person with heart disease return to health. Cardiac care may consist of exercise, modifying risk factors to prevent further heart damage, or psychological rehabilitation.

DIABETIC CARE – Refers to services including patient assessment specific diet information, management of the disease process, medication management and education on all the above. Services are provided by Registered Nurse under the supervision of a M.D. Some agencies may have certified diabetic nurse instructors or cardiac care specialty RN’s.

ENTERAL FEEDING – Enteral feeding, or tube feeding, is a way to deliver nutrients through a tube if you cannot take food or drink through your mouth.

HOSPICE – Hospices provide individuals facing terminal illness with care at home or in a healthcare facility. The goal is to assist patients to live the last stage of their lives with dignity. The focus is on comfort rather than treatment.

HOUR MINIMUM – The least number of hours a Non-Medical Home Care Agency will be available for hire. Medicare certified Home Health Agencies are not on a specified time frame.

INTRAVENOUS THERAPY (IV) – Refers to any medical treatments/ medications that need to be introduced into the body via a patient’s veins. Numerous IV Therapies can be provided in a patient’s home under supervision of a MD. Some of these include: inter-infective/ antibiotic therapies, hydration therapy, pain management, chemotherapy and central line care and maintenance.

MED-ALERT – Company offers a pendant or home alert system that notifies staff that user is in distress and needs immediate assistance.

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