Home health care is a growing field that offers many benefits to those looking for quality, affordable care. You or a family member may be contemplating home health care and its advantages or have questions about what to expect—and that’s completely understandable. Choosing care can be complex, but you can make an informed decision with the proper information and support.
With help from Compassus, you can get answers to some commonly asked questions about home health care. Whether you’re wondering about costs or insurance coverage or want more information on what to expect from a home health care provider, we’ve got you covered. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and support, and we’re always here to answer your questions and address any concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 833.380.9583 to learn more about our home health care services and to receive answers to some of the most common home health care FAQs.
Home Health Care Questions
Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Home health care enables people to recover and maintain independence after an illness, accident, or injury. But what if you’re caring for a loved one who needs extra help? Our home health care FAQs address payment options, eligibility, and how skilled home health care differs from personal care.
Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and other private insurance plans typically cover home health care ordered by a doctor. Medicare Advantage and private plans may require people to use a provider in their network.Medicare does not cover non-medical senior care or personal care when it is the only care required by a patient. Long-term care insurance may cover some of the cost of in-home senior care services. Veterans and their spouses can use VA Aid and Attendance benefits to pay for home health care.
Medicare publishes the Medicare and Home Health Care Guide as a downloadable document. It includes detailed information about the following:
- Eligibility
- Covered services
- Comparing home health agencies
- Your Medicare rights
Additionally, you can contact your local Medicare office for more information about home health care services and eligibility or visit the Medicare website to learn more.
Skilled home health care is medical care provided by licensed nurses, nurse aides, or therapists. Support usually begins with a prescription from a doctor.
Home health visits include medical assessments, wound care, IV therapy, and physical therapy. Nurses and aides can also maintain, or help you learn how to maintain, feeding tubes, colostomy bags, oxygen, and other medical equipment. Visits can include fall prevention, education, and strategies to help older adults recover, stay independent, and reduce unplanned hospital visits.
Companion care or senior care is non-medical assistance at home. Sometimes older adults need extra help getting up in the morning, personal hygiene, household chores, or transportation to stay independent.
In most states, personal care aides can remind someone to take medications or help them self-administer medicines. They are typically not allowed to administer oral or injectable medications. Some states enable personal care aides with advanced training to administer medications.
Home health care can be provided wherever a person calls home. Agencies can customize the support to specific needs at home, in a senior living community, or even in a friend’s or relative’s home.
Medicare requires people to be homebound to receive home health benefits. Homebound status based on a doctor’s evaluation. Being homebound does not mean you cannot leave your home for any reason. Homebound patients may leave for:
- Medical treatment
- Religious services
- Licensed adult daycare services
- Family reunions, funerals, or graduations
- Occasional visits to a barber shop or beauty parlor
Requirements for homebound status include:
- You are unable to leave home without assistance (crutches, walker, wheelchair, or special transportation)
- Leaving home is not advisable or could lead to injury, illness, or death
- You must get someone to help you leave (e.g., personal care aide)
- It is not physically possible for you to go out of your home by yourself and return safely
If you have questions about any of the requirements for home health care eligibility in your state or what is covered by Medicare, speak to a representative from your local Medicare office or visit the official Medicare website. Whether you need skilled home health care services or in-home personal care, there are various options to suit your needs and preferences. With the proper support at home, you can stay independent, healthy, and safe for years to come. Compassus is a trusted home health care service provider and is here to help.
Your doctor will create a care plan with you and the home health provider. The frequency of visits adapts to your needs over time. For example, you may receive the following:
- Weekly home health visits at the beginning
- Bi-weekly or monthly home health visits as your condition improve
- As-needed home care for medical emergencies or complications
A home health team includes a full-time nurse, certified nursing assistant (CNA), home health aide (HHA), and therapists. They are available to answer your questions and help you get the care you need. Compassus offers support at every stage of your home health journey.
Yes. You may be eligible for home health care services if you are a veteran receiving Medicare and need help with your health conditions. If you are a veteran in need of help with your condition, contact the local VA office near you to learn more about home health care eligibility and benefits. With the right support at home, you can get the medical assistance and personal care that you need to live your life comfortably.
No, people may receive a referral from a doctor, including a primary care doctor or specialist. A home health care team will work with you to develop a personalized plan of care that addresses your unique needs and goals.
Reach Out to Compassus with Your In-Home Health Care Questions
Whether you are considering home health care for a loved one or yourself, our experienced team is ready to help. We are available to answer any of your remaining home health care questions and explain covered services. Compassus offers in-home care services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and more. We will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your unique needs and preferences. Your health is important to us, so contact us today at 833.380.9583 to learn more about our home health care services available to you or a loved one.
