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Physical Therapy in Hospice Care

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I want to say thank you for taking care of my mom and loving her. We really appreciate the Salus hospice team in Arizona. They have all been very compassionate and caring. I met Jay this morning he’s so awesome. Pat was here doing mamma’s nails, helping me get her dressed. The nurse was so kind to my mom and took the time to talk to her a little bit and everything! You have an awesome team. We love you guys, and we appreciate you guys. Thank you for making our life a little easier.

Shar R. Maricopa County 4/23/2024

I work at an assisted living home. I’ve been doing this work for a long time, seen a lot of hospice. Salus came in and got to know my resident and all of us. The communication with the nurses is amazing. Whenever I had a question or concern, I could call or text and know in minutes. My resident had something to look forward to weekly with the pampering of the shower aide not just a shower or bath, but nails and massage. I would recommend this company to everybody. Thank you so much for the great care. We look forward to working together again.

Nikki S. Maricopa County April 11, 2024

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Maricopa County Hospice Services

Our hospice services are recommended by professionals. Salus Hospice is consistently highly rated by patients and families..
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How Does Physical Therapy Help Differentiate Salus Hospice in Maricopa County?

You have options when choosing a Maricopa County hospice care provider. WHO you choose makes all the difference.

In our continued efforts to be on the forefront of hospice care in Arizona, we have partnered with Living Gracefully and incorporated Physical Therapy into our comprehensive Hospice Care Program. Physical therapy can play a vital role in maintaining or even improving quality of life during this challenging time.

Physical Therapy in Hospice Care addresses specific challenges that a patient may be experiencing. They include:

Pain Management: Physical therapists utilize various techniques like gentle exercises, manual therapy, and positioning strategies to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility, aiding in pain management.

Maintaining Mobility: In cases where illness or frailty limits mobility, physical therapy provides exercises and interventions to preserve or enhance mobility, promoting greater ease and independence in movement.

Fall Prevention: Falls pose significant risks to hospice patients. Physical therapists assess the home environment, offer education on fall prevention, and teach exercises to improve balance and stability, reducing the likelihood of falls and associated injuries.

Enhancing Comfort: Through interventions like massage, stretching, and positioning, physical therapy helps alleviate muscle tension, boost circulation, and improve overall comfort for individuals under hospice care.

Is Physical Therapy Really Necessary for Hospice Patients?

Physical therapy for hospice patients is fundamentally about enhancing their quality of life and ensuring utmost comfort throughout their end-of-life journey. As an integral component of hospice care for those with a prognosis of six months or less, physical therapy plays a pivotal role in improving the overall well-being of patients. By prioritizing ease of mobility, fall prevention and pain management, physical therapy greatly enhances comfort and quality of life while creating a safer home environment. This approach is tailored to address the distinctive obstacles and needs of hospice care patients. The goal is to make whatever time they have left as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Enlisting the Help of a Physical Therapist for My Loved One in Hospice?

When a patient is facing a life-limiting illness, they may experience weakness, loss of mobility or pain associated with their diagnosis. Physical therapy helps to make this time in life more comfortable. Additionally, it makes movement and transfers in and out of bed or a chair easier. This can encourage the hospice patient to remain mobile and continue enjoying a higher quality of life. Physical therapy also helps to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as tightness and weakness. The program imparts a sense of peace and relaxation.

Will I Pay Extra for Physical Therapy with Salus Hospice?

No, because we recognize the benefits of physical therapy for hospice patients, Salus integrates these services into the care plan. We partner with professionals at Living Gracefully to deliver professional hospice physical therapy in the comfort of home. Physical therapy as a component in the hospice care plan is covered under Medicare, VA benefits and most major insurance plans.

How Our Integrated Services Can Help You with a Serious Health Condition

Physical Therapy in Hospice Care

In collaboration with Living Gracefully, Salus is able to provide physical therapy as part of our hospice care program. Our team works closely with the senior wellness professionals at Living Gracefully, the patient and the family to develop a personalized plan of care. This plan addresses needs and goals while providing patients with increased opportunities for safety, wellness, mobility and a higher quality of life.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?: Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Comfort and symptom management; Maintain comfort and quality of life during the end stages of a serious illness to which the doctor does not expect a cure; care for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Reduces suffering. Improve the quality of life for both the patient and family.
Why choose this type of care?: To stay in the comfort of your own home, avoid hospitalization, during your final months, weeks and days of life. To forego curative treatments, rather focus your remaining time left on things that matter most. There is no homebound requirement.
What kind of services are available?: An interdisciplinary team provides holistic care. Includes coverage for medications related to management of the end stage disease, Medical Equipment and Nursing Supplies (i.e Incontinence, Gloves, Wound care dressings).
What insurance plans cover hospice care?: Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid 100% covered; Most private insurances also have coverage, including VA benefit
How often does the care happen?: Hospice support is available 24/7 although the frequency of intermittent visits can vary based on the patients individual care needs and can change as the patients' needs change
Who is involved in the delivery of care?: Hospice has an Interdisciplinary approach to care, the hospice team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, spiritual care coordinator, home health aide, and volunteers
Who determines what care is delivered?: The hospice team works together with each patient and their family/caregivers to determine the services they would like to receive while under Hospice care. Collaborates with the physician for updates and orders.
Is a physician order required?: Yes
Is anything else required?: Patient must have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less certified by two physicians
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?: Medical equipment is typically included in your hospice care benefits through the VA, Medicare and private insurance plans. We will help you to determine the right equipment and assist with ordering it and ensuring it is delivered to your home.
How do I get started?: Discuss your desire for care with your physician and give Salus a call. We will schedule an assessment and work with your physician to determine eligibility for care.

(888) 881-4822

Hospice

A terminal diagnosis brings with it a wide range of emotions from anger and uncertainty to relief and peace. At this time in life, it is more important than ever to receive compassionate hospice care and surround yourself with the people and things that mean the most to you. As part of your support network, Salus Hospice of Maricopa County provides spiritual, emotional and physical assistance. Choosing our services means you can live each day to the fullest knowing that your health care needs are met by experienced professionals. With the help of our interdisciplinary care team, you can experience less pain and more opportunities to realize your end of life goals.

What are the typical goals of care for this type of service?: Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Comfort and symptom management; Maintain comfort and quality of life during the end stages of a serious illness to which the doctor does not expect a cure; care for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Reduces suffering. Improve the quality of life for both the patient and family.
Why choose this type of care?: To stay in the comfort of your own home, avoid hospitalization, during your final months, weeks and days of life. To forego curative treatments, rather focus your remaining time left on things that matter most. There is no homebound requirement.
What kind of services are available?: An interdisciplinary team provides holistic care. Includes coverage for medications related to management of the end stage disease, Medical Equipment and Nursing Supplies (i.e Incontinence, Gloves, Wound care dressings).
What insurance plans cover hospice care?: Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid 100% covered; Most private insurances also have coverage, including VA benefit
How often does the care happen?: Hospice support is available 24/7 although the frequency of intermittent visits can vary based on the patients individual care needs and can change as the patients' needs change
Who is involved in the delivery of care?: Hospice has an Interdisciplinary approach to care, the hospice team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, spiritual care coordinator, home health aide, and volunteers
Who determines what care is delivered?: The hospice team works together with each patient and their family/caregivers to determine the services they would like to receive while under Hospice care. Collaborates with the physician for updates and orders.
Is a physician order required?: Yes
Is anything else required?: Patient must have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less certified by two physicians
If equipment is needed (i.e. hospital bed, walker) who pays for that?: Medical equipment is typically included in your hospice care benefits through the VA, Medicare and private insurance plans. We will help you to determine the right equipment and assist with ordering it and ensuring it is delivered to your home.
How do I get started?: Discuss your desire for care with your physician and give Salus a call. We will schedule an assessment and work with your physician to determine eligibility for care.

(888) 881-4822

Hospice Physical Therapy FAQ

If you don’t see your question, please give us a call: (888) 881-4822

Physical therapy in hospice care promotes comfort through mobility. The physical therapist can educate caregivers on positioning, transfers/transfer techniques, and range of motion. When appropriate, PT encourages an upright posture to maintain and support homeostasis and the body’s normal function. This helps improve lung capacity and breathing, promotes a stronger, safer swallow and relieves pressure.

Physical therapy will be part of the patient’s hospice care plan. That means the physical therapist will have a role in planning the next steps and goals for mobility and education.

Physical therapy promotes mind and body health and assists in relieving pain through manual techniques and modalities. Therapy helps patients live their best quality of life throughout their hospice care journey.

Engaging with a licensed physical therapist can help a hospice patient accomplish physical goals. The patient is empowered to continue living and maintaining whatever level of independence they can.

No, physical therapy is part of the hospice care plan and never replaces nursing care. One of the benefits of physical therapy in hospice care is that it is part of an interdisciplinary care plan, so it adds one more set of professional eyes and ears to help monitor the patient’s stability, progress or decline, to help them maintain the highest quality of life throughout their journey.

This question is best answered in the care planning process. Since each patient’s needs and goals are individual, every element of the hospice care plan, including physical therapy visits, is personalized.

Yes, home exercises are an important part of a physical therapy program. The physical therapist can educate hospice families and caregivers on various things, including exercise, range of motion, positioning, massage techniques and therapy rationale.

Equipment costs are typically included in Medicare, VA or private insurance hospice care benefits. In many cases, the physical therapist can also bring equipment for the session, so it does not have to be purchased.

Yes, therapy can assist with positioning and exercise while lying in bed. Although it is best if the patient can assume a sitting position from time to time, therapy can be done with a patient who can no longer sit up. Exercise improves circulation, decreases edema and swelling, relieves pressure, and improves psychological health.

Call Salus, and we will be glad to help answer your questions so you have the information you need to make an informed decision. Our 24/7 hotline number is (888) 881-4822.