What is Home Health Care?
Home Health Care describes a variety of skilled services provided to patients at home in order to maintain or restore health and well-being. The goal of Home Health Care is to teach the patient and/or their caregiver to be able to care for the patient at home.

When do Home Health Services Begin?
The nurse or therapist will contact the patient within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital to arrange an evaluation visit. The first visit will be scheduled based on the patient’s skilled needs. During the first home visit, the nurse or therapist will evaluate the patient and work the patient, caregiver and doctor to determine specific goals and which services are needed.

How is Home Health Care Provided?
A team of nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, and other health care professionals coordinate and provide care based on a plan ordered by the physician. The team visits the patient at home to monitor their condition and provide instruction, working towards the goal of promoting patient and family independence with care. The team communicates with the doctor to discuss the patient’s status and response to care. Home Health services end when the goals are met, skilled care is no longer needed, or when the patient is capable of leaving home to get care.

Who Makes up the Home Health Care Team?
The Home Health team includes nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, home health aides, and the patient’s physician.

Who is Eligible for Home Health Aide Service?
Home Health Aide visits are limited to patients receiving care by a nurse or therapist and who require assistance with personal care to meet their skilled need. Patients who do not qualify or require additional assistance can pay privately for this service through our Extended Home Care.

Does Insurance pay for Home Health Services?
Medicare and most insurances pay for Home Health services. Some insurance plans require preauthorization and some limit the number and type of visits. We assist in determining insurance coverage, number of visits allowed, services needed, and co-payments for services.