FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Home health care and hospice
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.
Home Health Care FAQ
How do I start services?
Home health care services require an order from your medical provider. If you feel that home health care services are right for you, our team would be happy to help obtain these from your primary care provider. Once the orders are received, you will receive a call to schedule time for our team to come assess your needs.
What services are included with home health care?
Each care plan is tailored to the unique needs of the individual in our care. Services you may receive include skilled nursing, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, chronic disease management, home technology services, and more.
What happens during a home health care visit?
A routine home health care visit may look different for each patient. Some things you can expect with home health care include:
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Questions about your pain and health condition and tips on how to manage it
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Check vital signs
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Care coordination with you, your healthcare provider, exercise and/or therapy programs, and any other family of your choice
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Help with medication management and education
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Skilled nursing care, in-home therapy services, home health aide services
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Education and help learning how to safely manage your condition and remain independently in your home
How often will staff visit me?
Based on your needs and insurance coverage, your medical provider and home health clinician will determine how often your home health care staff will visit your home.
Who pays for home health care?
Home health care may be covered by Medicare, VA, private insurance plans, or private pay. Our team will work with you to determine your eligibility and level of coverage.
Ethos Home Health Care is licensed as a home health care provider in North Dakota and a Comprehensive Home Health Care Provider in Minnesota. Ethos is Medicare certified.
Are you eligible for home health care services covered by Medicare?
Some factors that play a role in eligibility include, but are not limited to:
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Do you have difficulty leaving the house?
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Do you need special assistive devices or help from someone to leave your home?
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Do you need help managing your medication schedule?
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Have you had a recent fall, or do you have a fear of falling?
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Have you recently been in the hospital or emergency room?
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Do you have an upcoming surgery scheduled that may require rehabilitation or therapy?
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Have you been diagnosed with a condition such Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, or COPD?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be eligible for home health care services. Please contact us at (701)809-9319.
Hospice FAQ
When do you become eligible for hospice?
If you have a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, you may be eligible for hospice care. Our professional hospice staff can do an informational assessment at any time with the patient and their family to determine the patient's health status and eligibility. The patient's physician must support that the individual has a life expectancy of six months or less.
What services are available with hospice care?
Hospice care promotes comfort and quality of life for patients and their families during the final days, weeks, or months of life. This may look different for each individual. Services may include:
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Medication management.
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Pain management.
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Life enrichment services such as Healing Touch, music therapy, pet therapy, and more.
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Support for family caregivers. This may include grief and spiritual counseling as well as bereavement services in the months after your loved one passes away.
Where can I receive hospice care?
Ethos Hospice Care comes to the individual wherever they call home. This may be a residential home, nursing facility, or long-term care setting. Our hospice team collaborates closely with all facilities wherever our patients reside.
Can I discharge from hospice services at any time?
Yes, discharge may occur under certain circumstances:
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The patient's condition improves, and they no longer meet the qualifications of hospice care.
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The patient decides to seek treatment and elects to be discharged from hospice services.
A patient 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?
Yes. There are nurses on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so families always have support whenever they may need it.
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 your level of coverage. It is important to note that patients can never be denied care based on coverage status or ability to pay.
How does hospice support families?
Ethos social workers and chaplains provide grief and spiritual counselling to help patient's families cope with a terminal illness and loss of their loved one. Bereavement services are offered following the months after the passing of a loved one.
Contact Us
If you are ready to speak with a professional about home health care or hospice services, contact our team at (701)515-0696 or fill out a form to request more information.