FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We've got the answers!
When you are considering home health care or hospice care for yourself or for a loved one, there’s a lot to consider. From payment options to questions about our services, the team at Ethos has created this home health care and hospice resource with some of the most frequently asked questions about our care.
Contact us by filling out this form or calling (701) 960-1823 to learn more about Ethos. Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice serves the areas surrounding Fargo and Grand Forks, ND, and Detroit Lakes, MN.
Home Health Care FAQ
How do I start services?
Step 1: You will need a doctor’s orders to start care. If you don’t have a doctor’s order, we can help you with obtaining orders for home health care.
Step 2: Once we get the order from the doctor, we will schedule an appointment and come to your home to talk to you about your needs and ask you some questions about your health.
What happens during a Home Health visit?
Ask about your pain and work to help you manage it
Ask you about your health and symptoms
Check your vital signs
Coordinate your care and communicate with you, your provider and any other care provider
Help with your medications and teach you and your family more about them
Provide skilled nursing, therapy and home health aide services, as needed
Teach you how to safely take care of yourself to remain in your home
How often will staff visit me?
Based on your needs and insurance coverage, your doctor and home health clinician will determine how often your home health care staff will visit you.
Who pays for Home Health Care?
Home health care is usually less expensive and as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. It may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA, private pay, insurance plans or waiver programs. Our team will work with you to determine your eligibility and level of coverage.
Ethos Home Care is licensed as a home care provider in North Dakota and a Comprehensive Home Care Provider in Minnesota. Ethos is Medicare certified and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
Are you eligible for Home Health Care services covered by Medicare?
Do you have difficulty leaving the house?
Do you need special assistive devices or help from someone to leave your home?
Do you need help managing your multiple medications?
Have you had a recent fall or do you have a fear of falling?
Have you recently been in the hospital or emergency room?
Do you have an upcoming elective surgery scheduled?
Have you been diagnosed with a new condition like Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be eligible for home health care services. Please contact us at (701) 356-3803.
Hospice FAQ
When do I become eligible for Hospice?
At any time, our professional staff (RN, Social Worker) can come and do an informational with the patient and/or their family to explain the hospice benefit and review the patients’ health status. The patient’s physician must support that they have a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course to be eligible.
How does Hospice Care begin?
Hospice care can start as soon as orders have been signed by the patient’s primary physician. Ethos Hospice is proud to do same day admissions whenever possible, providing the admission visit meets the needs and schedule of the patient and family/primary caregiver.
Where can I receive Hospice Care?
You can receive hospice care in any setting that you call home whether that be in a residential home setting, nursing facility or any long-term care setting such as an Assisted Living. Our hospice team collaborates closely with all facilities wherever our patients reside.
Can I discharge from Hospice services at any time?
Yes. If the patient’s condition improves and no longer meets the qualifications of hospice, a discharge may occur. Or, if the patient decides to seek treatment, they can elect to be discharged from hospice services. You may go on and off hospice services at any time, as long as you continue to meet qualifications.
Is Hospice available after hours and on the weekend?
We have a nurse on-call after regular business hours and on the weekend. The on-call nurse is available by phone to answer any questions and will make after-hours and weekend visits whenever it is necessary.
How is Hospice paid for?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and almost all private insurance. Our team will work with you to determine and understand your level of coverage and eligibility for hospice services.