What Is Home Health Care and Who Qualifies For It? *

AD | One of the decisions many of us face as we get older, fall seriously ill, or have a life-changing accident, is whether to choose home health care, nursing home care, or care home care. Some are content to go into residential care, whereas others prefer to remain in their home and receive live in or daily care. But it can be difficult to determine who qualifies for home health care services as the guidelines vary depending on where you live, and of course they’re always changing.

What is Home Health Care and Who Qualifies For It?

Residential care or nursing home care is when you move into a home with 24-hour care on site. The main difference is that a nursing home is able to provide a higher level of care services as they have at least one qualified nurse on-site to provide medical care. Home health care provides services to people who are housebound in their own home. It’s often less expensive than other types of care, and it can be more convenient for the person receiving the care as well.

To be eligible for home health care services, patients must:

• Be housebound, which means that they are unable to leave their homes without the help of another person.
• Be under the care of a doctor.
• Need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or speech therapy.
• Have a care plan that’s approved by a doctor and followed by a home health agency.

6 Benefits of Home Health Care

Basic Home Care can provide you or a loved one with many benefits, including:

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Help with managing medications
• Nutritional guidance and meal preparation
• Oversight of your health condition by a registered nurse or therapist
• Companionship and emotional support
• Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.

These services can be provided in the comfort of your own home, which can be a more relaxed and familiar environment than a hospital or nursing facility.

How to Get Started With Home Health Care

Once you’ve decided home health care is the right option for you, there are a few things you need to know before you can get started with Basic Home Care services. Firstly, you’ll need to have a doctor’s order, which can be obtained either from your regular doctor or a specialist who’s treating you for your illness or injury.

Next, you’ll need to find an agency that’s right for you. There are many different providers out there, so it’s important to do your research and find one you feel comfortable with. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, or Google “home health care services near me”, then look at the online reviews of different home health care agencies.

Once you’ve found your preferred agency, they’ll send a nurse or therapist to your home to assess your needs and develop your personal care plan. Basic Home Care services are typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance plans. Make sure you raise any queries with your chosen agency.

Costs Associated With Home Health Care

At the time of writing, the average cost of nursing home care is $230 per day, while the average cost of home health care is $21 per hour. However, it’s not always the least expensive option. If the patient requires a lot of medical attention or specialist equipment, for example, the cost of home health care can very quickly add up.

Benefits for Caregivers

Often, family members put their own lives on hold to care for their loved ones when they’re diagnosed with an illness or experience a health crisis. Caregivers provide emotional support and important hands-on care to their loved ones. Home health care services can provide much-needed respite for caregivers, as well as the knowledge and skills they need to effectively care for their loved ones.

Recap: Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Services?

When you’re planning for the future, this the 64,000 dollar question, and the answer is, it depends. Generally, home health care services are intended for those who can’t leave their home due to illness or injury. In some cases, however, people who aren’t housebound may still be eligible depending on the level of care required. Home health care services are typically more appropriate for those who need skilled nursing care or rehabilitation, as opposed to people who simply need some assistance with activities of daily living. Your doctor and local home health care provider will be able to advise on the most accurate and up to date information.

* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.