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Do You Qualify for Home Health Services?

12.19.2014

• News & Announcements

• 

  So you’ve been in the hospital recuperating from an illness or injury. You’re eager to return home, and your physician has ordered home health care.

  That’s great news! Why? Home health care is less expensive, more convenient and often more effective than the care you’d get if you stayed in the hospital or transferred to a skilled nursing facility. Furthermore, studies show that people recover more quickly in the privacy and familiarity of their own home.

  Home health care, according to Medicare guidelines, covers a number of skilled home health services including:

  • Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Skilled nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  The objective of home health care is to treat your illness or injury so that you regain your self-sufficiency.

  The home health care provider is likely to:

  • Check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and breathing
  • Check to see what you’re eating and drinking
  • Check that you’re taking your prescription medications and other drugs correctly
  • Ask you if you’re having any pain
  • Check your safety in your home
  • Instruct you about your care so that you can take good care of yourself
  • Coordinate your care so that they can communicate on a regular basis with you, your physician and anyone else who provides you with care.

  In order to receive home health care, a doctor’s orders are needed. Once you receive these orders, a home health care agency representative will talk with you about your needs and ask you questions about your health.