Supportive Home Care (Palliative Care) (Right)

Introduction:

The health plans operate special units for medical, nursing and rehabilitation care for patients who are home-bound

Cancer patients may also receive supportive care from the Israel Cancer Association

Patients in advanced stages of disease can be provided with supportive care as part of hospice care

The health plans operate special medical, long-term care, and rehabilitation home care units for patients who are home-bound.

• Treatment teams include a doctor, nurse, social worker and physical therapist.
• About a third of the patients are terminally ill, primarily cancer patients. Care of these patients is focused on helping to stabilize symptoms and providing treatment for the pain. Some of the units also provide chemotherapy at the patient's home.
• Information about the care units operating throughout Israel, along with their contact information:
  • Israel Cancer Association website: Supportive Home Care Units, Home Hospice on the English website
  • INPACT website: Home Care Units, Home Hospice Units.
  • TMICHA - The Israeli Association of Palliative Care website: Map of supportive care services in Israel (in-patient and out-patient)

Who is Eligible?

• Patients suffering from ailments and/or medical conditions causing them to be home-bound.

How to Claim It?

• Requests should be submitted through a hospital or community doctor, nurse, or social worker who knows the patient and his/her family.

Aid Organizations

• The Israel Cancer Association
• Tmicha - The Israeli Association of Palliative Care

Government Agencies

• The Ministry of Health
• The health plans

Laws and Regulations

• The National Health Insurance Law
• The Terminally Ill Patient Law
• Ministry of Health Director Circular 30/09 from 12.07.2009 - Operating palliative services (hospice) in the community, in a general hospital, and in a long-term care facility

Additional Publications

• Reut-Eshel's "Mishpacha Metapelet": Medical home care for patients who are home-bound
• Tmicha - The Israeli Association of Palliative Care website: Advice about patient home care
• Palliative Care for Patients with Incurable Illnesses on the Ministry of Health website

Credits

• Original information provided by The Israel Cancer Association and the INPACT - Israel National Palliative Care Training website.
• English translation and maintenance by The Shira Pransky Project.