Don’t let your many questions about hospice or home health care prevent you from finding compassionate, expert support. We’ve answered the most common questions here, so you can make informed decisions for yourself or a loved one.
View our complete list of home care and hospice services.
Yes, round-the-clock care is available.
Home care and home healthcare are general terms for all services provided in the home.
However, home health services are skilled services provided by licensed professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs) and therapists. Visit our home health services page to learn more.
Yes. Our team is highly trained and sensitive to the needs of people with these conditions.
Cost depends on what kind of care you need, how often you need it, and how it’s paid for. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Yes, but please refer to our answer to the question above to understand what may be covered by these plans.
Minimums vary based on the service lines we provide. Medicaid programs are state-authorized and must follow the authorization provided for time spent receiving care. You can receive private duty care for at least two hours per visit.
If you’re starting to worry about your loved one’s safety, health, or independence, it’s time to explore options. Here are signs that home care might help:
Daily life is getting harder:
Health and safety risks are rising:
You’re feeling stretched thin:
Caregivers do not need to be licensed, but they are highly trained. We run background checks on all our employees.
We try to keep the same caregiver with patients as much as possible.
If you feel comfortable with this solution, we will fill the opening with another Phoenix caregiver.
Absolutely. Let us know how we can best meet your needs.
When we hire, we look for the “x-factor” that separates good nurses and caregivers from those who are genuinely excellent, committed, and compassionate. We also offer continued training and retention programs to keep the best talent on Team Phoenix.
Phoenix Home Care & Hospice is unlike any other home health provider. When you choose Phoenix, you experience:
Senior care ranges from minimal support to round-the-clock medical supervision. Care services include:
When trying to identify the right homecare professional for a loved one, consider their qualifications along with their personality traits, so that you know they’ll be cared for and feel comfortable.
Essential qualifications include background checks, employment and training by a licensed agency, and experience with your loved one’s specific needs. Key personality traits should include patience, honesty, and compassion. Your loved one deserves to be treated like family while receiving expert care at home.
Live-in caregivers are available through local caregiving agencies. These caregivers provide consistent care around the clock. However, caregivers don’t have to live in the home to provide 24/7 care. Private duty caregivers are also available 24/7, delivering all the benefits, help, and support of a live-in caregiver without the client providing a place for them to stay. A leading home care provider can staff familiar, professionally trained private duty caregivers who take shifts to ensure the team is rested, refreshed, and ready to provide care.
Professional caregiving agencies are always the first choice for a 24/7 caregiver to ensure professionalism, high standards, and expertise. Ask your chosen agency about each of these categories to determine the right fit:
As you search for a caregiver, keep in mind that “live-in caregivers” go by other names in the caregiving marketplace, including private duty caregivers. Private duty care, like live-in care, provides professional caregivers in two-hour blocks of time up to 24/7 care. Private duty caregivers help with daily living tasks, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, companionship, and more, just like a live-in caregiver.
Live-in home care offers 24/7 care in your home, so that there is always someone present for help with daily tasks, such as personal care, housework, companionship, transportation, and medication reminders. A comparable service, private duty care, can also staff caregivers around the clock without the client providing living space for the caregiver. This is the typical process for starting care with a live-in or private duty caregiver:
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) job and a caregiver job support people at home. CNAs are certified care professionals. Caregivers may or may not be certified depending on the particular job and state requirements.
A CNA role requires a formal certification and often includes more hands-on personal care that requires clinical training. A caregiver job may include some personal care, but focuses on daily living support, including light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship.
Support for family caregivers can be found through national organizations and local caregiver agencies.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program gives caregivers access to information and available services, such as counseling, to provide relief from stress and even suggestions to improve the quality of care you provide.
Local home care agencies are a resource for family caregivers who need additional support, including In-Home Medicaid, Department of Mental Health, Consumer-Directed Services, private duty care, and more.
Respite care is specifically available through private duty care, which is a flexible caregiving service that comes to your loved one’s home in two-hour blocks, up to 24/7 care. Private duty care is paid for out-of-pocket, through long-term care insurance, or qualifying VA benefits.
To get support as a family caregiver, choose a service that fits your needs:
The best hospice company in your state or region is determined by customer trust, quality of care, and expertise. Each part of the United States has premier hospice care providers who stand out from the rest.
The best regional hospice providers:
The best state and multi-state providers:
Hospice care begins with a care team visiting your home to explain hospice benefits. The team will also create your individualized care plan in collaboration with your physician and hospice physician.
Hospice care provides the following services:
Across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois, you have several options for end-of-life care. The most common form of hospice care is home hospice, which occurs in a residential setting, such as your house, nursing home, or skilled nursing facility. General inpatient (GIP) hospice at a hospice house or hospital is also available for short-term hospice services when family caregivers need a break or symptom and pain management requires more support than can be provided at home.
Your options also include a choice between local, regional, state, and national providers. Local providers specifically serve your community; regional providers balance a local approach with a wider reach; statewide or nationwide providers offer the broadest coverage, while serving individual communities.
Hospice care can be specifically tailored to the needs of dementia patients, including compassionate, sensitive care for pain and symptom management, emotional care, and spiritual support.
Dementia is a life-limiting illness that qualifies for hospice when a doctor certifies that they’ve met certain criteria based on the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) scale. This scale identifies cognitive and verbal decline, physical complications, nutritional decline, and an inability to perform activities related to daily living, such as walking, bathing, and dressing.
If a dementia patient can still make medical decisions, they determine whether hospice is the next best step. If not, the decision usually falls to their legally authorized representative, such as a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney.
Hospice is comfort-focused care for someone with a life-limiting illness that would normally run its course in six months or less. Instead of trying to cure or treat the illness, hospice focuses on pain and symptom management and enhancing the patient’s quality of life as much as possible. Under Medicare, patients qualify for hospice when they wish to stop treatment and choose comfort care for their terminal illness, and their doctor orders hospice.
During hospice, your chosen team creates an individualized plan of care that is centered on pain management, comfort, and quality of life. Care can include nursing visits, a bath aide, social workers, spiritual support from a chaplain, community volunteers, and bereavement counseling.
All medications, equipment, and supplies related to the patient’s terminal illness are provided. A 24/7 nursing line is available for after-hours questions and concerns. There are options for inpatient respite care to give family caregivers relief and general inpatient care (GIP) when additional care is needed to control symptoms. Some hospice agencies also provide pamper care (e.g., hair styling, premium bath products, nail polish, and other self-care routines) to further enhance patients’ dignity and quality of life.
Palliative care focuses on pain and symptom management. It can begin at any stage of an illness and is provided alongside treatment that is meant to cure or manage the disease.
Hospice is a specific Medicare benefit for people with a life expectancy of six months or less and who have chosen the comfort of pain and symptom management instead of seeking a cure for or management of their illness.
Palliative care and hospice care are often used interchangeably, as a hospice patient is receiving the same kind of care that palliative care provides, just under different circumstances. You will hear many patients and healthcare professionals refer to hospice as palliative care, but from a Medicare perspective, the difference is distinct.
Hospice is 100% paid for through Medicare or Medicaid. The hospice benefit includes these services:
If you have heart failure, hospice care is available based on certain medical criteria, as determined by a physician. According to the American Heart Association, you are eligible for hospice care under these general criteria:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provide a much more detailed description of qualifications, including decline in clinical status, symptoms, and clinical indicators, such as the Palliative Performance Scale and dependence in at least two activities of daily living (ADLs).
Hospice care is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.
Benefits include:
Additional coverage includes general inpatient hospice for uncontrolled or severe pain and symptom management, along with special services where appropriate (e.g., physical, occupational, or speech therapy, along with dietary counseling).
Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life by addressing your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Repeated ER visits and hospitalizations are usually focused on uncontrolled symptoms and getting you stable so you can return home. During hospice, your care team takes a proactive approach to pain and symptom management, while also providing support, presence, and compassion through the help of team members like a chaplain, medical social worker, and community volunteers. Families also get support through hospice.
A hospital’s primary goal is to provide treatment for an immediate need; hospice’s goal is to let you feel as comfortable as possible to experience meaningful time with your family in a peaceful environment.
Finding high-quality hospice care may require some online research or simply asking those you trust.
Resources like Medicare Care Compare and National Hospice Locator can identify local providers. You can also ask your primary care doctor, hospital discharge planner, or a social worker for support, along with family members and friends who may have had an experience with hospice in the past.
No matter who is recommended, it is always important to interview your chosen team to see if their values align with yours and that they offer comprehensive benefits that cover your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. A team with values like patience, honesty, and compassion are likely to provide excellent services.
A hospice evaluation is a free, no-obligation assessment conducted by a hospice professional to determine if a patient with a serious, chronic illness meets Medicare criteria.
Medicare criteria requires that the chronic illness, without treatment, would normally have a life expectancy of six months or less. Specific criteria related to the chronic illness are also outlined by Medicare.
Because a hospice evaluation must be conducted by a health care professional, such as your primary care physician, they can help you understand the qualifications for your loved one’s circumstances.
Remember that your loved one or the person legally assigned to make care decisions for them have the right to choose whether to receive hospice care as opposed to continuing to receive treatment.
When your loved one is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, a conversation may begin between them, your family members, and your doctor about the next best steps forward. Some people choose to continue treating their illness. However, others want to focus on comfort and quality of life in their own home.
If you need to reach out on behalf of your loved one, these symptoms are common among all hospice patients:
Live-in caregiver services and other 24/7 care depend on your state and zip code. The Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program’s website allows you to view estimates for your specific location. Caregiver services with 24/7 care, such as private duty care, are paid out of pocket through long-term care insurance or authorized Veterans Affairs benefits.
Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of hospice care for patients who qualify. Most private insurance plans include some hospice benefits, although coverage can vary. It is important to work with a knowledgeable hospice team that can interpret your benefits and coverage, so you get clarity and understanding during this time.
Medicare Part A covers hospice care for beneficiaries with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less, who have chosen comfort and pain management at home over a curative treatment.
Covered services include:
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers help people receive long-term support in their home, as opposed to a clinical setting. These services are designed for people who need help with daily living, often because of ongoing medical or functional needs.
Depending on the specific state program, HCBS providers may help with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, medication support, respite care, transportation, and more. The main goal of HCBS is to help people stay as independent, safe, and connected to their community as possible. Ask a provider in your state to better understand specific services and eligibility.
Choose a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider by ensuring they offer the specific support you need at home, such as personal care, light housekeeping and laundry, respite care for a family caregiver, or assistance with transferring. Ask about the team’s licensing, accreditation, approach to communication, caregiver screening and training, what to expect during visits, and the values your caregivers are committed to. You should also confirm that your provider accepts your insurance coverage or waiver program, so you know what to expect.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow states to use Medicaid flexibly so that certain groups, such as those with specialized needs, get specific services at home.
Examples of HCBS waivers:
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provide support in home and community settings to ensure a patient’s daily ongoing needs are met. Available through Medicare and Medicaid insurance, HCBS includes activities associated with daily life, like personal care; assistance that allows for independent living, such as help with meal prep, errands, and household work; health management; and more.
Medicare home health includes help from skilled nurses, medical social workers, and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, like physical therapists. HCBS does not provide these healthcare services.
Private duty care offers similar care services to HCBS, yet it is paid for out of pocket, with long-term care insurance, or eligible Veterans Affairs benefits.
Institutional care is delivered in nursing facilities or other facility-based settings that may cover many of the same services as HCBS.
To find local resources for autism respite care, start with national locator tools, like the Access to Respite Care and Help (ARCH) Network, the Autism Society National Helpline, or the Autism Speaks respite tool.
You can also search for home care providers in your area that have Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and HCBS waiver programs that provide respite care through Medicaid and Medicare, including:
Check with your chosen home care provider to learn about eligibility and whether respite care is available in your region.
Respite care is temporary relief from your role as a family caregiver. Access to Care and Respite Help (ARCH), also known as the National Respite Network and Resource Center, has published an extremely helpful resource, The Practical Guide to Respite for Your Family, to understand your options.
Options listed in this resource include:
Each of these options has its upsides. For example, an in-home caregiver serves your child where they’re most comfortable, routines are already in place, and the family can be present, too.
Home care is available for many people with disabilities. Home care can help individuals receive care in a familiar setting that is personalized and customized to their needs; it also helps them to stay safe during their routines and encourages socialization and companionship.
Home care usually includes services like personal care (help with bathing, dressing, meals, and chores), respite care for family caregivers, care coordination, and employment support.
Medicaid is a primary source for long-term care. Programs such as In-Home Medicaid and Department of Mental Health help people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, and other conditions.
A home health aide is available for children with autism, although aides and the services they provide are called by different names.
In Missouri, a waiver called Children with Developmental Disabilities (MOCDD/Sarah Lopez) Waiver covers personal assistant services and in-home respite for family caregivers. Children under 18 are eligible.
In Kansas, programs depend on the child’s age. Children five and older may be eligible for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability Waiver, which includes personal care services, overnight respite care, and residential support for children.
In Illinois, two waivers exist for personal support services: the Waiver for Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities (3–21) and the Waiver for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (18+).
Children in foster care who have disabilities may qualify for various resources to help them feel as healthy and supported as possible.
Certain programs make care more affordable for children in foster care with disabilities.
Caregiver costs vary based on your loved one’s needs. There are also certain care needs that are covered by Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), such as personal care. Other services, including skilled nursing, may be available through an HCBS Medicaid Waiver, but it is important to check with your state’s Medicaid program to determine what your loved one qualifies for.
In states like Missouri and Kansas, a family member can be paid to provide care for a loved one with special needs, but it cannot be the spouse, legal guardian, or person who is legally representing them. Waivers in Kansas and Missouri, along with Missouri’s Consumer-Directed Services, can allow a family member to receive payment for care.
Respite care for family members who have a loved one with autism includes hospital-based respite, paid home caregiving, and community-based settings.
These options provide relief for family caregivers to recharge, address other responsibilities, and return to caregiving with more energy and balance. However, each one offers a different core benefit. Although hospital-based and community settings give the family respite outside the home, a family may prefer keeping their child or young adult in a familiar setting, where everyone can remain close.
To better understand the options available to you, visit the National Respite Network and Resource Center and download their resource, “The Practical Guide to Respite for Your Family.”
Yes. Private duty nursing may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance when it is medically necessary. For children and young adults in Missouri, care may be available through Missouri Medicaid’s Healthy Children and Youth program, which supports eligible individuals with special health care needs from birth through age 20.
Coverage is not automatic. Services usually require medical documentation, a physician’s order, a care plan, and prior authorization before care can start. Private insurance may also cover private duty nursing, depending on the plan and the child’s needs. Families should talk with a reputable provider who understands Medicaid and insurance requirements to help determine eligibility.
Yes. Private duty nursing may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance when it is medically necessary. For children and young adults in Missouri, care may be available through Missouri Medicaid’s Healthy Children and Youth program, which supports eligible individuals with special health care needs from birth through age 20.
Coverage is not automatic. Services usually require medical documentation, a physician’s order, a care plan, and prior authorization before care can start. Private insurance may also cover private duty nursing, depending on the plan and the child’s needs. Families should talk with a reputable provider who understands Medicaid and insurance requirements to help determine eligibility.
Caregivers can access free and low-cost resources that can reduce stress and prevent burnout.
If you’re looking for relief from caregiver duties, you might also consider private duty care. A private duty caregiver can give you a break from your responsibilities while covering your loved one’s needs.
Respite relief services offer temporary breaks for family caregivers by providing short-term care for a loved one with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Care is available in-home, at adult day centers, or in facilities for hours, days, or weeks.
What’s offered:
To find respite relief services, contact a home care provider in your region, such as Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, which serves Kansas and Missouri.
Disease management services are coordinated, evidence-based programs designed to support patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or asthma. They focus on patient education, medication adherence, and care coordination to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Core features include:
To find Consumer Directed Choices (also known as Consumer Directed Services) in your area, start by contacting your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office, as these programs are primarily funded through state Medicaid waivers.
These tips might help you find the right agency to help you get started:
Consumer directed choices — also commonly called Consumer Directed Services — allow seniors to manage their own long-term care by giving them control over their budget and caregiver selection.
Key benefits include:
Providers like Phoenix Home Care & Hospice support families exploring consumer directed care.
Consumer Directed Choices, also called Self-Directed or Consumer Directed Services shift control of caregiving from a provider to the individual receiving care. The care recipient becomes the employer of their own caregiver.
In this role, you can recruit and hire your own personal care attendants, home health aides, or nurses. You set their schedule and train them on your routine. Consumer Directed Services often support you by handling background checks, payroll, tax filings, and other administrative tasks.
