Home Health Care is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to hospital or other institutional care. Home Health Care encompasses a wide range of health care services provided in the comfort of the patient’s home with the purpose of maintaining his or her maximal level of function, health, and comfort. Home Care is a collaborative effort involving family, physician, and an interdisciplinary Home Care Team. Service is based on the individual’s needs as defined by his or her doctor’s plan of care. This may include frequent visits from skilled nurses, therapists, social workers, and/or Home Health Aides.

In many cases, Home Health Care allows a person to be discharged earlier from a hospital, reduced hospital admissions, and helps with a faster recovery. Most importantly, people are happier at their home and receive more care and attention from family, friends, and Home Health Care professionals.

• People of all ages recovering from a recent illness, surgery, or hospitalization.

• People who have short-term health needs.

• People who need assistance, due to age or disability, to enhance the quality of life at home.

• People who need education about the disease process and training on how to best care for themselves or their loved ones.

The team include Doctors, Nurses, Home Health Aides, Medical Social Workers, and Therapists. They coordinate care based on the individual’s needs. 

Medicare, Medicaid, or other Health Insurances may cover the cost of Home Health Care services. Some insurance policies will not cover all home health care services unless certain conditions are met. You can still obtain care without insurance coverage through a Private Duty Agency on a private-pay basis. Additionally, some agencies may have funding to help people who cannot afford the private pay option. The Home Health Care agency can help determine if the service(s) you need are covered or if you need to make other arrangements.

A doctor, patient, or family member can initiate service. However, Medicare, Medicaid, and most Insurance Plans require doctor oversight. Once the doctor prescribes Home Health Care, he/she authorizes a coordinated treatment plan, commonly called a “Plan of Care” and periodically reviews services and the patient’s progress. If a doctor does not prescribe Home Health Care, but the individual still desires services, a Private Duty Agency can suggest a Plan of Care to meet a wide variety of needs and budgets. While some insurance plans may pay for Private Duty services, they are typically an out-of-pocket expense.

The frequency and type of Home Health visits are based on your personal Plan of Care. Your doctor may change your Plan of Care as necessary, increasing or decreasing the number of visits or services provides, in order to provide you with the best Home Health Care for your needs.