Many Kno-Wal-Lin patients and families have questions about care and other issues. We hope these questions and answers are helpful. Please feel free to contact us at 594-9561 with other questions you may have.

These questions are divided into three categories. You can quickly access each group of questions by clicking on the category.

Dressing and Bathing: I just need assistance with dressing and bathing each morning. I do not have  serious medical issues and don't need nursing care. Can you help me?

Yes. Help At Home offers short blocks of time with services provided by a person care attendant. Personal care attendants will assist you with dressing, bathing, as well as, personal care needs that might include laundry and homemaking services. We serve Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln counties.

Safety in the Home: My elderly parents live over 50 miles away from me and I'm concerned about their safety and ability to do house hold chores. How can you assist my parents to remain safely in their home?

Help At Home services are available 24 hours a day, or can be purchased in smaller blocks of time. Our staff can provide companionship, run errands and provide scheduled transportation. We also provide light cleaning and help with chores. We can provide the bridge your parents may need to stay safely in their own home.

Medications and Pet Care: I have trouble with understanding my various medications and when to take them all. Also it is getting difficult to feed my dog as I become dizzy when I bend down to feed him. Do you feed pets too?

Help At Home sends a Registered Nurse to your home to help you identify all your needs and will assist you in organizing a plan of care that will work for you. They are able to clarify medication orders and set up a system that will help you take your medications correctly and on time. Yes, we also understand how important pet companionship is and we will provide per care too, such as feeding, watering and walking.

Certified Nursing Assistants: My family lives far away and I require nursing care, meal preparation, and transportation to my doctor appointments. Do you have certified nursing assistants on your staff?

Yes, we employ personal care assistants, certified nursing assistants, and registered nurses. Our staff is reliable, competent, and caring, and is specially trained in home care. You can talk to your doctor about arranging for the services you need, or call us directly. We prepare fresh meals and can freeze meals too. Also, scheduled transportation is available for appointments or just a drive on a beautiful day.

Paying for Services: How do I pay for Help At Home Services?
Help At Home services are usually paid for by the client. It is not paid for by Medicare or Mainecare. Some insurance companies do provide for private duty services. Pease check your personal insurance coverage. Our rates are competitive and our reputation is built on years of respected and caring service to our mid-coast community.

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Home Bound:  In order to qualify for Medicare Home Health benefit I know I have to qualify as "Home Bound." What defines me as home bound?

• Patient must be in a place of residence and not in an institution which meets the definition of a hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
• There must be a normal inability to leave home and leaving home must involve considerable taxing effort.
• Absences from home for non-medical reasons are infrequent and of short duration.
• Absences attributable to the need to receive medical treatment include attendance at adult day care centers to receive medical care, ongoing receipt of outpatient kidney dialysis, and receipt of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Does Hospice have a religious focus?
KWL Hospice recognizes that spiritual concerns may arise during end of life care. Our hospice staff respects the choices and wishes of each patient and family, and we will assist with spiritual concerns if so desired. We offer non-denominational Chaplain Services or can help patients and families to connect with their own Clergy and spiritual support as requested.

Who is eligible for Hospice?
Under private insurance guidelines in the state of Maine you are eligible to receive hospice services if your physician feels that you have a life limiting illness (less than 12 months), and you are choosing comfort care support. Most private insurances do allow you to continue with active treatment of your illness.

Under Medicare and Mainecare guidelines, you are eligible to receive hospice services if your physician feels that you have a life limiting illness (less than 6 months), you are choosing comfort care support, and you are not seeking active or curative treatment.

Who is eligible for the Palliative Care Program?
You are eligible for palliative care services if you have an advanced or life limiting illness, are choosing comfort care supportive services, need intermittent skilled services, and are generally homebound.

How do I know if hospice or palliative care is right for me?
Most people have a difficult time facing and talking about end of life care issues. With the proper guidance and support, patients and families realize that they are able to make difficult, well educated decisions. Please call our intake department and ask for one of our Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses to make a visit to your home to discuss your goals, explain our services, and answer any questions you may have. By contacting us early, we are able to provide our best help for all involved.

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Updated:  7/31/08