Home Health Care Services

Home health care is medical services delivered at home to treat a chronic health condition or help people recover from illness, surgery or injury. The goal is to keep you or your loved one as safe and healthy as possible at home, rather than in a hospital, rehab center or nursing home. Depending on your eligibility, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance may cover some or all of the cost of home health care.

Rent a Daughter nurse visits you at home to assess your needs and develop a care plan. A home health aide provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation. They may also run errands and provide companionship. Some home health aides have training to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Home health therapists deliver physical, occupational or speech therapy. They might teach you exercises to strengthen muscles, for example, or demonstrate how to use medical equipment like a portable walker or wheelchair.

Home healthcare providers charge by the hour, and costs vary widely depending on the type of service you or your loved one requires. Medicare covers short-term home health care, provided it's prescribed by a doctor and delivered by an agency certified by Medicare. Medicaid and private insurance often cover home health services, though coverage varies by state and insurer.

Generally, the best way to find a quality home health care provider is to ask family members and friends for recommendations, says Yount. When you contact a potential home health care agency, "ask for a face-to-face meeting with a registered nurse to determine exactly what services are needed and how frequently," she says. Then, she adds, a home health care agency can match you with a nurse who has experience in your specific needs and has schedule compatibility with yours.

There's no doubt that having a caregiver in your home is beneficial to your or your loved one’s mental and physical health. Studies show that people with a caregiving role live longer than those who don't. In addition, a study by Kroposki and Alexander57 found that higher patient satisfaction scores were associated with characteristics of nurses' work environment in home health care agencies. These included the opportunity for shared decision making, formalization of professional and organizational guidelines, and teamwork.

You or your loved one may need home health care because you've just left the hospital, are recovering from an injury or illness or have a long-term health condition such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Home health care can be an option when your doctor prescribes it and you choose a home health care agency that's approved by Medicare, Medicaid or your private insurance. Many communities have senior centers, faith groups or charities that can connect you with volunteers to provide companionship. Some long-term care insurance plans offer companionship benefits as well.

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