Home Health Care

What Is Home Health Care?
Home Health Care is a type of medical care provided at home. It consists of a wide pool of skilled medical professionals such as Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and many other health experts. Home health care may also provide non-medical care and services from qualified Home Health Aides and Medical Social Workers. These services are provided to improve or stabilize patients’ physical condition and minimize the chances of patients’ readmission to medical facilities.

When to Use Home Health Care?
Below are some of the many situations when home health is prescribed:

• When a patient needs expert assistance to regain strength and transition to independence after an inpatient hospitalization, rehabilitation, or a stay at a skilled nursing facility.
• When a patient has had medication change – to assess the efficacy of the new/changed medication and oversee its side effects.
• When a patient experiences an overall decline in functioning and is unable to effectively perform activities of daily living

Who Is Eligible?
These are some of the many situations why doctors recommend their patients to home health care services:

• People with physical or developmental disabilities
• People who are recovering from illnesses or injuries
• Patients who want to transition from facilities to home
• Old adults who are facing age-related challenges
• Individuals who are homebound

It requires a doctor’s order to start home health care.

Who Is Homebound?

To be homebound means:

An individual has difficulty leaving your home without help (such as a cane, wheelchair, walker, crutches, special transportation, or help from another person) because of an illness or injury, or leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition

Leaving home isn’t recommended because of a medical condition

How to Pay for Home Health Care?

Since it is considered medical care, home health is covered by medical insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.

• Covered by Medicare when prescribed by a physician
• Medicaid for qualified individuals
• Private insurances
• Private pay

What Is Private Duty or Home Care?

Home care is provided by care aides (caregivers), who help older adults with activities of daily living or just offer some friendly companionship. Unlike home health, home care is classified as personal care or companion care.
When to Use Private Duty or Home Care?

Home Care is a great way for you or your loved one to stay independent, improve their well-being, and be surrounded with care and comfort.

You might consider hiring a home care services for older adults who:

• Need assistance with activities of daily living ranging from grooming to meal preparation
• Require assistance with medication or routine exercise
• Require help with transportation
• Live alone and need companionship

Private Duty or Home Care Services

Services provided by home care aides may include:

• Assistance with activities of daily living – mobility, toiletry, dressing, eating, bathing
• Meal preparation – grocery shopping, meal design, storage, and labeling
• Housework – laundry, light cleaning, and minor maintenance
• Reminders to take medication
• Assistance with physical activities
• Lifting, ambulation, and transfer
• Shopping and errands
• Assistance with Transportation
• Friendly companionship Help with bill paying
• Close supervision to ensure good caregiver-client relations

How to Pay for Private Duty or Home Care Services?

• Private pay
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicaid for qualified low-income seniors

Combining Services

Home health and home care are not mutually exclusive services. Many families find that utilizing these services in tandem best helps an individual in need.

The home health staff address clinical and rehabilitative needs while a home care aide can help with personal caregiving and household chores that the individual requires assistance with during his or her recovery.

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Contact Information
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