Home Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between home health, palliative and hospice care?
Home health care supports recovery and management of medical conditions with skilled nursing and therapy services provided at home.
Palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management for individuals with serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
Hospice care is for individuals facing advanced illness when the focus shifts to comfort, quality of life and support for both patients and families.
What is Concordia-IRMC VNA?
Concordia-IRMC VNA is a home health and hospice care agency providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation and specialty services in the comfort of a patient’s home. Services are delivered through physician referral and guided by Concordia’s faith-based mission of compassionate, high-quality care.
What types of home health care services are available?
Concordia-IRMC VNA offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home health aide support, social services and specialty programs such as palliative care and disease management.
What specialty home health services are available from Concordia-IRMC VNA?
Specialty services may include palliative care, spiritual care, disease management, mental health nursing, diabetic education and lymphedema therapy, depending on physician orders and patient needs.
How does home health care work?
Home health care begins with a physician referral. Once eligibility is confirmed, a personalized care plan is created, and licensed clinicians visit the patient at home to provide skilled medical care, therapy, education and support.
Who qualifies for home health care?
Eligibility is determined by a physician and typically includes having a skilled medical need and meeting insurance requirements. Many insurance plans also require that a patient be considered homebound, meaning leaving home requires significant effort or assistance. Our team can help review eligibility and next steps.
Can I choose Concordia-IRMC VNA for my care?
Yes. Patients have the right to choose their home health care provider. Under Medicare, individuals may select any Medicare-certified home health agency for their care – not only the agency recommended by a hospital or physician.
If home health services are recommended, you or your family may request Concordia-IRMC VNA. Coverage and availability may vary based on your specific insurance plan and service area, and our team can help review options and next steps.
Does Medicare or insurance cover Concordia-IRMC VNA?
Many home health services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance when eligibility criteria are met. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can help verify benefits and answer coverage questions.
How does Concordia-IRMC VNA help reduce hospital readmissions?
By providing timely follow-up care, monitoring symptoms, coordinating with physicians and offering education and support at home, Concordia-IRMC VNA helps identify concerns early and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.
What makes Concordia-IRMC VNA different from other home health agencies?
Concordia-IRMC VNA combines clinical expertise with a faith-based mission, personalized care plans and a long-standing commitment to dignity, compassion and whole-person care – supporting both patients and families throughout the healing journey.
Where does Concordia-IRMC VNA provide services?
Concordia-IRMC VNA serves patients and families across Indiana County, as well as parts of Armstrong, Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Jefferson and Westmoreland counties in western Pennsylvania.
Hospice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is specialized medical care focused on comfort and quality of life for individuals facing advanced illness. Rather than pursuing curative treatment, hospice emphasizes pain and symptom management, emotional support and dignity.
Who qualifies for hospice care?
Eligibility is typically determined by a physician and includes a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. Patients must also choose comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment for the hospice diagnosis. Our team can help review eligibility and answer questions about the process.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is most often provided in the patient’s home. It may also be delivered in personal care homes, assisted living communities or other residential settings.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice services are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. When eligibility criteria are met, hospice care is often covered with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Our team helps families understand benefits and coverage.
Does hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice shifts the focus of care from cure to comfort. It is about supporting quality of life, honoring individual wishes and ensuring dignity during advanced illness.
Can hospice care be stopped if circumstances change?
Yes. Patients have the right to discontinue hospice care at any time if they choose to pursue curative treatment again or if their condition improves.
Is support available for families?
Yes. Hospice care includes emotional, spiritual and practical support for families, as well as ongoing bereavement services for at least one year following a loved one’s passing.
How quickly can hospice services begin?
Once eligibility is confirmed and a referral is received, services can often begin promptly. Our team works closely with physicians and discharge planners to ensure timely coordination.
Can hospice care be provided if my loved one lives alone?
Yes. Hospice care can be provided for individuals who live alone, though additional planning may be needed to ensure safety and support. Our team works with families to evaluate the home environment, discuss caregiving needs and identify community resources when appropriate. Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day for guidance and urgent concerns.
What if we’re not sure it’s time for hospice yet?
It’s common to feel uncertain. Families are encouraged to reach out even if they are simply gathering information. Our team can provide an evaluation, answer questions and help you understand whether hospice, or another level of care, may be appropriate. Having the conversation early does not commit you to starting services, but it can provide clarity and peace of mind.