Frequently Asked Questions

Home health care — frequently referred to simply as "home health" — is skilled care delivered directly to a patient's home. This type of care is provided by licensed medical professionals including nurses, therapists, and aides for the purpose of treating or managing an illness, injury, or medical condition.

Home health care services can be delivered to the patient's residence (which may be a private home or adult foster home), an assisted living or long-term nursing facility, or a memory or residential care facility.

Services that may be covered include medical services such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, as well as non-medical services such as social services or assistance with daily living.

No, home health care (i.e. home health) is significantly different than home care. While the two services sound similar (both take place at a patient's home or residence), home health is administered by licensed medical professionals. Further, the type of care encompassed by home health care covers a myriad of ailments and diseases, including physical therapy, post-operative care, and treatment of Alzheimer's, dementia, and chronic health conditions.

Home health care is available to any patient who needs it, but in order for it to be covered by Medicare, the patient must be deemed "homebound."

Homebound simply means that the patient's condition prevents them from being able to safely leave the home without assistance from others or assistive devices (e.g. canes, walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs).

In most cases, patients are still considered homebound even if they leave the home as needed for medical treatments that cannot be provided in-home. Brief and occasional non-medical absences may also be allowed, such as going to church, the beauty shop, or special family events.

The primary benefit of home health care for the elderly is that it can be delivered directly to the patient's residence, whether it be a private home, adult foster home, assisted living or residential care facility, memory care facility, or long-term nursing home. By delivering care directly to the patient, expensive hospital bills can be avoided.

Family members are encouraged to be active participants in the planning process to help set and meet goals, working with home health care professionals for the benefit of the patient.

Additional benefits of home health care for seniors include:

• Faster recuperation and recovery from illness or injury
• Improved independence (over time)
• Maintaining or improving of current condition or level of function
• Regaining of self-sufficiency in the home
• Slowing of the decline of serious conditions
• Better symptom management

• Care is delivered directly to the patient's residence (either a home or facility)
• Medical services are provided by skilled professionals
• Home health care staff follow the physician-prescribed plan
• Patients regain independence and self-sufficiency at home
• Care is typically less expensive than hospitalization or a long-term nursing home

The first step toward receiving home health care is to obtain a physician's orders and work with a home health care company to develop a detailed care plan. From there, you will be asked to complete an initial consultation with the patient, during which they assess the patient's needs and develop a plan for treatment. Family members and other caregivers are encouraged to participate in this planning process to ensure consistent and comprehensive care.

When services begin, home health care staff will implement the plan – following all physician orders – and keep the physician updated about the patient's progress. The frequency and type of home health visits will vary depending on the patient's needs. Some patients require daily care while others require only a short visit once or twice per week.

All services are tailored to the patient's needs.

Home health care is designed to help the patient rest, recover, and receive treatment in the comfort of their own home or residence. Services provided by home health care are offered with the goal of helping the patient regain independence to become as self-sufficient as possible while also managing their disease or condition.

Home health care can benefit both acute and chronic conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Recovery from illness or surgery
• Chronic conditions or injuries

In addition to providing medically necessary services for the treatment of the above conditions, home health care professionals act as a liaison between the patient, the patient's family, and the patient's doctor. Home health care professionals keep a log for each visit and provide updates on the patient's condition to the doctor as needed. This helps to ensure continuity of care.

Home health care consists of medically necessary, skilled services prescribed by a physician for the treatment of an illness, injury, or medical condition.

Skilled services provided by home health care may include the following:

• Infusion therapy
• Medication management
• Nursing care
• Nutrition services
• Pain management
• Psychiatric services
• Social work
• Therapy (physical, occupational, speech)

Services provided by home health care professionals are tailored to the patient's individual needs. Examples include checking vital signs, assessing pain, monitoring food intake, managing medications, helping with basic hygiene, and ensuring safety in the home.

Home health consists of aides providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility, as well as light housekeeping and errands, under the supervision of a registered nurse. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the services a home health aide provides:
Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming: Helping clients get clean, dressed, and ready for the day. 
• Mobility assistance: Helping clients get out of bed, walk, and transfer to different locations. 
• Toileting assistance: Helping clients use the bathroom and maintain hygiene. 
• Meal preparation and feeding: Assisting with meal planning, shopping for groceries, and preparing meals. 
• Medication reminders: Reminding clients to take their medications, but not administering them. 

Household Tasks:

• Light housekeeping: Cleaning, laundry, and vacuuming.
• Errands: Running errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.
• Transportation: Assisting with transportation to medical appointments or other outings. 

Other Services:

• Monitoring vital signs: Taking and recording vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. 
• Communicating with healthcare providers: Reporting changes in the client's condition to the supervising nurse or other healthcare professionals. 
• Providing emotional support: Offering companionship and emotional support to the client. 

Important Notes:

• Home health aides are not licensed to provide medical treatment or perform medical procedures. 
• They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional. 
• Home health care services are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and major insurance plans for eligible patients receiving home health.