Choosing the Right Plan for Addiction Recovery

The decision to seek treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction is a difficult one. It requires a commitment from the addicted person to refrain from further use for the rest of their lives. There are many drug and alcohol rehab therapies that can be effective when administered by trained professionals to assist in the road to recovery. Choosing the right plan for you or your loved one is a crucial step in the successful treatment an addiction.

Drug and alcohol rehab centers offer different recovery programs which may include residential, inpatient, extended care, outpatient, and short-stay options. As well, medicinal care is often required to overcome the physical addiction of a drug and to safely detoxify a person. Recovery programs are based on an individual assessment and may differ considerably in their program options, philosophies, staff qualifications and skills, credentials and cost.

The process of choosing a drug and alcohol rehab can be complicated. Many people don’t know what questions to ask or what to look for in a rehab center. A trained physician or professional specializing in addiction recovery, may be able to help you evaluate various options and select the most suitable recovery program for your individual needs.

While searching for a drug and alcohol rehab center evaluate and write down questions you may want to ask. Some examples of questions you may want ask might be things such as how does their recovery program vary from other drug rehabs? What are the administrators' and staffs' qualifications? How much will healing treatment charge? What is covered by insurance and what is not? What type of individuals do they treat e.g., dual diagnosis?

Choosing a drug and alcohol rehab program is like choosing to begin a new way of life, as drug and alcohol addiction does not happen overnight likewise the recovery process also takes time. Recovery is a lifelong pursuit that affects every aspect of your life so be sure to select the appropriate program and on-going support you need to succeed.

Author Information:
This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality. For more information about their residential treatment center or drug and alcohol rehab programs visit their website at: www.swtchd.org.

What is the Difference Between Hospice, Palliative and Respite Care?

Nursing homes and other medical facilities provide several different types of care for the elderly as well as well as disabled and terminally ill patients.  The difference usually depends on the length of time an individual will need to be cared for, the type of illness (whether or not the person will recover) and what is covered by insurance.

The three primary services you will find in the United States are as follows:

 

1.       Hospice Care is defined as a type of care and a philosophy that focuses on the alleviating a terminally ill patient's symptoms. Modern approaches include palliative care for the incurably ill provided by institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes but care can also be provided in the home for those who prefer that option.

 

Hospice is the only Medicare benefit that includes pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, twenty-four hour/seven day a week access to care and support for loved ones following a death. Hospice care is also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans.

 

2.       Palliative care  is an area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients. Unlike hospice care, palliative medicine is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life.

Medicare does not use the term palliative, so coverage is provided by standard Medicare Part B benefits. The palliative care provider (the organization offering you the services) will bill Medicare for services provided.  This is also the case with Medicaid, so be sure you understand what co-pays or fees, if any, you will be asked to pay. Ask about your responsibility for fees and request a fee schedule before agreeing to receive services.

 

3.       Respite care provides planned short-term and time-limited breaks for families and other unpaid care givers of children with a developmental delay and adults with an intellectual disability in order to support and maintain the primary care giving relationship.

 

SSI: Patients with disability coverage may be eligible for home health care benefits. Check your local Social Security office to verify eligibility.

Medicaid: Medicaid does not fund respite directly, but some states use waivers to apply federal funds to offset respite costs for residents with specific conditions and disabilities. Consult your state’s Administration on Aging website.

This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality.  For more information about Hospice Care, Palliative Care or Respite Care visit their website at: www.swtchd.org.

When Home Nursing Care is a Good Alternative to Nursing Homes

Nursing care in the home allow for senior citizens, medical patients and people with disabilities to recuperate in the comfort of their own home. This service is convenient for someone who wants independence while being observed for medical relapse and/or injury. In general these services can be provided by certified nursing assistant (CNA) but may require skilled nursing care providers who are licensed practitioners (LPNs). Services can include any combination of  a rehabilitation services as well as a prescribed treatment plan.

Nursing care in the home involves a variety of services, such as medication administering and planning, blood work, physical assessments and wound care. A skilled nurse who visits the home will give progress reports to the patient's doctor. However, this job is only available to registered or licensed nurses.

It is not uncommon for the registered nurse to bring along a certified nursing assistant to help with examinations. The duties can vary for the aides and depends on the patient. They can help with restroom assistance, bathing, physical therapy and helping with movement. Some aides even perform light household chores like meal preparation, yard work and laundry. Some aides also provide companion services for the mentally impaired and elderly patients as well.

Patients who are dealing with injuries and physical ailments are candidates for physical therapy. Skilled nurses come to the household and help the patient with therapeutic exercises. These exercises help with increasing movement, strength, circulation and flexibility. The training can also help with balance and learning to walk. Speech therapy is another service provided at the residence by Medicare skilled nursing facilities and other health care organizations.

Many families are concern about the cost of the services. However, the majority of the programs are covered by Medicare. Healthcare in the home can be more affordable than an overnight stay in the hospital. Medicare coverage includes housework, personal shopping, in-resident medical assistance and meal delivery. It helps to check with your coverage provider before having someone to come out to the home.

Most patients can qualify for the assistance after receiving approval from a physician. The physician also has to prepare an effective healthcare plan for recuperating. The patient must have a condition that will affect their health mentally or physically when leaving the nursing home or residential treatment center. The doctor's healthcare plan should state this information and that regular care is needed from a skilled nurse. The assistance has to be from a Medicare-approved facility in order to receive coverage through the program.

Patients who go through resident healthcare program have rights. The medical provider is required to provide a written copy of the patient rights. The rights should include having the choice of selecting a health agency as long as it is covered by your healthcare plan. Another right is having a family member presence or appointing a family member as a guardian for emergency situations.

Patients can request a copy of their rehabilitation plan and can ask questions. The rights even extend to personal property and the person's body be treated with respect. If there are any problems with the in home care, the complaint process should also be clearly identified.

Author Information:

This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality.  For more information about nursing homes or to find  skilled nursing care, visit their website at: www.swtchd.org.

Understanding Hospice Care and the Eligibility Requirements

Hospice care is a special way of caring for a patient whose disease cannot be cured. It is available as a benefit under Medicare Hospital Insurance. Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice care receive non-curative medical and support services for their terminal illness.

Hospice care is also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Most hospice care is delivered at home. Hospice care is also available to people in home-like hospice residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans' facilities, hospitals, and prisons.

To be eligible, the illness must be certified by a physician as terminal with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care is not a cure.  The emphasis is on helping the person to make the most of each day of remaining life by providing comfort and relief from pain.

If you are in need of hospice care for a loved one, here are some questions to consider when evaluating potential hospice care providers:

·         Is this hospice program Medicare certified? Medicare certified programs have met federal minimum requirements for patient care and management.

·         Is the program licensed by the state, if required by your state?

·         Does the organization have written statements outlining services, eligibility criteria, costs, and payment procedures, employee job descriptions, and liability insurance?

·         How many years has the organization been serving  the community? Can the organization provide references from professionals, such as a hospital or community social workers?

·         Does the organization create a plan of care for each new patient? Is the plan carefully and professionally developed with you and your family?

·         Does a nurse, social worker or therapist conduct a preliminary evaluation of the types of services needed in the patient’s home?

·         How does the organization handle payment and billing? What resources does the organization provide to help you find financial assistance if it is needed? Are standard payment plan options available?

·         Does the hospice offer specialized services such as rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, or family counselors when these could improve the patient’s comfort?

·         Can you tour the inpatient unit or residential facility?

·         Ask to see a copy of the organization’s patient’s rights and responsibilities information.

Author Information:

This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality.  For more articles about hospice care or general information about skilled nursing care, visit their blog.

How to Evaluate a Drug Rehab Program

Drug abuse is an epidemic in America and no one of any age, race, or social status is immune. 

Its effects are far reaching from deteriorating relationships, criminal offenses to problematic behavior at work.  Identifying and accepting that a problem exists is the first step to recovery.

Drug addiction is a complex illness that develops over time initially as a result of voluntary use of drugs.  The consequence of which is a virtually uncontrollable compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use that interferes with, if not destroys, an individual’s functioning in the family and in society.  This medical condition demands formal treatment.

Finding an appropriate rehabilitation program increases the chances of a successful recovery and acclimation back into a normal, productive lifestyle.  Since there are several different types of drug rehab programs available ranging from inpatient addiction treatment, outpatient addiction treatment, residential addiction treatment, short and long term, evaluating the options is best discussed with an addiction treatment professional.

Doctors and rehab specialists will study your case and conduct tests to determine a suitable rehabilitation program.  Every individual has a unique situation and as such, the program regime should be designed to meet the unique needs of the person.  Some of the prescribed activities may include inpatient detox, residential treatment, medication, diet, exercise, counseling and community activity.

To get detailed information about a rehab center, either visit the facility or look up an institutions website for qualifying details such as appropriate licensing, treatment types, insurances that are accepted and the length and cost of the program.  You may also find that contrary to popular belief, drug rehab centers are not dark and dreary places but instead are typically located near natural settings which enable the patient to enjoy the environment, provide a heightened sensory awareness and has been found to be beneficial during the recovery process.

In most drug rehab programs, regardless of their differences , they have one major goal: try to get the individual back to a drug-free lifestyle. Often times this requires more than one addiction treatment attempt and sometimes multiple attempts within a drug addiction treatment center. Do not be discouraged.

This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality.  For more information about drug rehab centers or to find qualified a residential treatment center, visit their website at: www.swtchd.org.

How to Find Quality Nursing Home Care

Finding a nursing home can be a difficult experience for a variety of reasons.  For many people this may be the first time they have been introduced to health, financial and life planning activities.  Fortunately there are a number of excellent resources available to help you screen nursing homes and address any concerns you may have about the quality of a facility and the care that will potentially be provided to your loved ones.

In the United States, Medicare (the federal health insurance program for the elderly) rates nursing homes by a number of factors including the results of health inspections, the quality of the staff, the level of services provided and others. These factors are used to determine the quality of care and the home which are then rated on a scale of one to five with five being the highest rating a facility can receive.

Regulations governing nursing homes and the inspection process vary from state to state. This means different results for different states.  The best way to compare nursing homes is to compare the facilities in one particular state or region to ensure that the facilities are being evaluated using the same criteria.

To learn more about Medicare programs, visit their website at: www.medicare.gov.   In addition to the information provided about nursing homes, they also have a great deal of general information about nursing care costs and other programs which can also be very helpful.

Although the Medicare rating system can assist with narrowing down the list of options, here are some other things you may want to consider in the decision making process:

·         Check on the Internet for a website for the facility. 

·         Check for customer feedback or testimonials from current residents or families of residents.

·         Look for the type of activities and services provided to residents.

·         Look for pictures of the facility inside and out.

·         Make an appointment to tour the facility and meet the staff.

The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home environment is not one that is lighthearted for anyone.  Carefully examining your options is the first step to ensuring a quality experience for all involved.

Author Information:

This article was provided by Southwest Teller County Hospital District (SWTCHD) an organization dedicated to caring and committed to quality.  For more information about nursing homes or to find a medicare skilled nursing facility, visit their website at: www.swtchd.org.