Home health care involves a range of medical professionals that assist patients of all ages in the comfort and safety of their own homes. The range of home health care services is limitless. Depending on the unique needs of the individual, care can encompass anything from specialized medical therapy and equipment to social services and companionship.
Common Home Health Care Medical Conditions
The following medical conditions often require support resources not only to help patients, but their families and primary caregivers as well:
- Accident injury
- Sports injury
- Post-surgical recovery
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular problems
- Cerebral palsy
- Neurological disorders
- Hypertension
- Dementia
- Alzheimer's disease
- Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Diabetes
- Respiratory issues
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Joint replacement
- Dialysis
- Well mom and well baby nursing visits
- Much more
What May Indicate A Home Health Care Need?
Home health care may be indicated if the patient:
- Has frequent rehospitalizations
- Requires frequent follow-up from a doctor's office
- Requires skilled services from a registered nurse or certified nursing assistant
- Is experiencing, or is at risk for, complications requiring labs
- Requires guidance on a medication or disease process
- Has a new medication
- Could benefit from personal care and companionship due to aging or advanced illness
- Has a new diagnosis or an exacerbation of an existing diagnosis
- Exhibits behaviors that indicate a risk for falls
- Contacts a doctor's office frequently
- Requires specialized or rehabilitative care such as:
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Nutritional therapy
- Medical equipment
- Has an advanced or life-limiting illness that requires:
- Hospice - end-of-life care
- Palliative care
What Are The Benefits Of Home Health Care?
Just some of the many benefits offered by home health care services include:
- Care in the comfort and security of home
- Highly qualified and licensed staff
- Reduced stress of family caretakers
- Increased safety
- Maximized independence
- Continuity of treatment
- Increased medication compliance
- Fewer emergency room visits
- Decreased hospital length of stay
- Fewer hospital readmissions
- Maintained quality of life
- Peace of mind
How Do I Get Home Health Care?
There are several ways to apply for home health care, but the first step is to meet with your physician to assess your condition and develop a home health care plan. Once you have a doctor-prescribed plan, you can work directly with an agency or contact your health insurance company to establish service. Make sure you qualify for home health care before applying for services.
Does Insurance Cover Home Health Care?
There are eligibility requirements for home health care, especially when seeking coverage through your health insurance or Medicare plan. In order to qualify, you must:
- Require skilled nursing or therapy services on an intermittent basis
- Meet the definition of "homebound"
- Be under the care of a doctor who orders home health care services
Additional qualifications may be required by certain home health agencies, or for your specific insurance plan. Familiarize yourself with these stipulations before applying for home health care.
What Does "Homebound" Mean?
Home health care is available to anyone who needs it, but in order to have home health services covered by health insurance or Medicare, the patient must be deemed "homebound."
Homebound simply means that a medical condition prevents a patient from safely leaving home without assistance from assistive devices or other people. In most cases, a patient can still be considered homebound even if they leave the home for a medical treatment that cannot be provided in the home. Occasional brief outings are also allowed, such as going to the grocery store, beauty salon, or church.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one suffer from a chronic illness or injury, home health care services can help you receive the important medical care you need in the comfort of home.
