It is a program or company that provides in-home assistance, as opposed to getting help in a medical facility (nursing home or rehab center). The home health company may provide meal preparation, bathing assistance, house cleaning, medication administration, transportation to and from doctor appointments, physical or occupational therapy and nursing services. Contact your local center for more information.
How do I obtain Home Healthcare?
You must have a medically necessary need, combined with meeting other specific criteria. A provider’s referral is required.
Examples of necessary medical conditions include Heart Disease, Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Orthopedic replacements, Lung Diseases, a sudden hospitalization, IV therapy, wound care, and more.
Contact your Home Healthcare service provider for details.
How long does it take to get Home Healthcare into my home?
Once you get a referral from your primary doctor, it should happen quickly (within the week). Some things may slow this process, but it should not take more than a few days.
How do I pay for Home Healthcare Services?
Medicare and Medicaid will cover most of the Home Health care expenses, if their criteria is met. If you do not have a medically necessary diagnosis, then you may have to pay out of pocket.
What can I expect when Home Healthcare comes to my home?
This depends on the service you have assigned to you. If it is a nurse, they should do a physical assessment, vital signs, medication check and of course, answer any questions you and your family have.
If you have (physical, occupational or speech) therapy they will have a different set of activities for you to complete.
There should be one home healthcare person “managing” your care. This is your Case Manager. This can be a Nurse, Therapist or other member of your care team. This is your go-to person for any needs that arise. This manager will communicate your care across the medical platform (doctors, other nurses, therapists) to help you understand what is expected of you and what that means.
Is Home Health care the same as Hospice?
No. Home Health care’s goal is to help you get better and stay home healthier, for longer amounts of time. Hospice helps someone die with dignity, comfortably. Both services must meet certain criteria to be considered compliant by state and federal standards.
How long can I have Home Healthcare?
First, you must have a physical need for assistance. Then in order to obtain insurance coverage for services you must have a Doctor’s referral. But, most insurances stop paying when you stop making progress.
What do I do if I still need more help?
Sometimes home healthcare will discharge you because you have plateaued, meaning there is not likely to be any more progress made. What do you do when you still need help? The first place to look is your county health department. They can connect you with further services offered in your area. Sometimes those services are offered at a discount with certain criteria met.
References:
Standard Billing and Payment Practices – National Association for Home Care & Hospice. (2019). Nahc.org. https://www.nahc.org/consumers-information/home-care-hospice-basics/standard-billing-and-payment-practices/
lifepolicyshopper. (n.d.). 5 Health Conditions that Result in Home Health Care Services. Seniorcare USA. https://lifepolicyshopper.com/5-health-conditions-that-result-in-home-health-care-services/
Home Services Agencies. (n.d.). Dph.illinois.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2023, from https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/health-care-facilities/home-services.html