Community-Based Palliative Care
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is InHome Connect?
InHome Connect is a community based palliative care program, striving to meet the needs of patients with complex medical conditions. Often these seriously ill patients would benefit from an extra layer of support to help identify patient’s’ needs or fill-in gaps in the patient's care.
Who can benefit from palliative care?
Anyone living with serious illness, such as dementia, stroke, cancer, heart failure, COPD, and kidney failure.
What is the goal of palliative care?
Assist with medical management of chronic illness and associated symptoms. Create specific plans to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
What is the frequency of visits?
Visit frequency varies based on the patient’s acuity and level of additional support that is needed. All InHome Connect (IHC) patients are engaged at LEAST once a month, either by telephone or with an in-person visit, depending on the need.
As needed, we are available for:
- Clinical support over the phone or via video visits
- Sick day planning for patients with frequent exacerbations
- 24/7 access to on-call providers for telephonic consultation
What does palliative care provide?
Symptom Management
We assess and treat symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and depression.
Care Coordination
Communicate with Primary Care Providers, specialists, Home Health agencies, and in-patient facilities to ensure they are aware of the patient’s goals of care.
Counseling and Education
Our team spends time with patients and families to explain, educate, and set goals of care.
Social Work Support
Provide resource and educational support to caregivers.
Reduce Acute Admissions
Create specific plans to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
Assist with medical management of chronic illness and associated symptoms.
After hours clinical support to assist patients in medical decision making around the clock.
Medication Management
Optimization of medications across spectrum of disease course.
Reconciliation and coordination of medications between prescribers.
How does palliative care differ from my current care?
Palliative care can be provided alongside your current treatment. The palliative care team works alongside your current doctors to provide specific treatments and care plans. Palliative care is meant to enhance your current care by focusing on quality of life for patients and families.
How is palliative care different from hospice?
While hospice only serves terminally ill patients in the last 6 months of life, palliative care is intended to support patients and families living with serious illness throughout the disease trajectory. Palliative care can be received at any time during the course of illness. Hospice care is a specialized form of PC that is specific for end of life.
How do I know if I need palliative care?
People living with serious illness may experience a high level of disease and symptom burden. You do not need to wait until your disease is in advanced stages to start receiving additional support.
Will my insurance cover palliative care?
Most private insurance plans at least partially cover palliative care services. If you have concerns about paying for palliative care, please inquire about financial assistance.
Can I have home health and palliative care?
Yes, you can continue receiving home health services as well as all other medical interventions while on palliative care program. Palliative care does not replace anyone currently involved in your health care and can assist with accessing additional support services as needed.
What are the benefits of Palliative Care?
Research studies have shown that patients who receive palliative care have fewer symptoms, greater emotional support, and increased patient and family satisfaction.
To Make a Referral:
Phone: 844.999.0019
Fax: 888.678.6794
Email: texasreferral@inhomeconnects.com
Phone: 844.999.9019
Fax: 888.736.6686
Email: indianareferral@inhomeconnects.com