As the Texas population continues to grow with individuals recovering from illnesses or injuries or suffering from chronic diseases, or having disabilities, or those who choose to spend their final days at home, home care and hospice are increasingly becoming the compassionate and cost effective solutions for thousands of Texans.

In recognition of this trend, Gov. Rick Perry has declared November "Home Care and Hospice Month" in Texas.

"Texans are concerned about high-quality, affordable health care," said the governor in his proclamation. "With rapidly rising health-care costs, home care offers comfortable, cost-effective, highquality, and individualized health care and supportive services."

The Texas Association for Home Care has adopted the theme "Home Care: The Power of Choice, the Comfort of Home" to help make consumers aware that they do have a choice of where they receive their care.

"Many people immediately think of assisted living, nursing homes or hospitals since these are visible in their communities. It is very important for them to know that they have options," said Anita Bradberry, TAHC executive director.

"We are very pleased with the continued trend of Texans exercising their right to choose to receive health care services in the comfort of their home," said Mary Helen Tieken, a registered nurse and president of the Texas Association for Home Care.

More than 3,800 licensed home and community support services agencies in Texas provide services ranging from assistance with per- sonal care to high-tech nursing and therapies. Individuals are able to receive their care in their own homes or may live with family or in another independent setting, retaining their independence and dignity.

Services available include:

• Personal assistance services -- non-medical including routine, ongoing support services such as assistance with self-administered medications, bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, meal preparation, toileting and ambulation.

• Home health services -- skilled and supportive care such as nursing; physical, occupational and speech-language therapies; medical social work; and home health aide, and can prevent or reduce the need for hospital or nursing home care.

• Hospice -- a philosophy of care that provides comfort for persons in the last phases of a terminal illness so they can live as comfortably as possible, whether at home or in a health-care facility.

These services include medical care, nursing, therapies, home health aide, social services, spiritual care, bereavement services, volunteer services and other appropriate counseling. Families also receive support through hospice.

Respite services are support options provided temporarily to help a primary caregiver, and may be available through home health, hospice or personal assistance care.

For the name and number of licensed home care agencies in the community, or consumer tips on how to select a home care or hospice agency, contact the Texas Association for Home Care at (800) 880-8893 or visit www.myhome carechoices.org.