FAQ

What is home health care?

Home health care is a cost-effective alternative to medical care similar to that you would receive in a hospital or other health facility. It is ideal for people who are recovering from surgery, illness or a medical event or who have a chronic condition that needs some medical oversight and management.

What services does home health care provide?

Home health provides many of the same services you would receive in a hospital or rehabilitation facility. Just some of the services include:

• Medication management
• Wound care
• Pain management
• Diabetic care and monitoring
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• IV therapy
• Central line and port maintenance
• Tube feeding
• Ostomy care
• Bedsore prevention and care
• Lab draws
• Clinical assessments

What are some of the benefits of home health care?

The main benefit of home health care is that you are able to recover and receive care in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the other benefits:

• Caregivers plan their treatment around your schedule – not the other way around
• You receive treatment in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to be around the people and place you love
• You receive the tools and resources to live life on your own terms
• A reduced risk of exposure to infections and diseases compared to treatment in a hospital or health facility setting
• A reduced risk of hospital readmission
• A consistent team of compassionate caregivers who are looking out for your well-being

Who is eligible to receive home health care?

Anyone can receive home health care. To have your home health care covered by Medicare (or most other insurance plans), you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be under the care of a doctor and receiving care services under a plan of care established and regularly reviewed by your doctor.
• Your doctor must certify that you are in need of one or more of the following:
  • Intermittent skilled nursing care
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
• The home health agency you hire must be Medicare certified.
• You must be homebound, which means:
  • Leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition
  • Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (wheelchair, walker, needing special transportation, getting help from another person)

How can I get home health care?

Anyone can initiate service, simply by calling a home health agency. However, to have your care covered by insurance or Medicare, you’ll need a prescription for home health care from your physician. Once the physician authorizes home health, you can find an agency that is covered by your insurance plan.