Getting medical care at home may be an option for some.  This option helps many to stay at home longer. Home Health Care is a benefit under Medicare (Part A hospital benefit), and may also be covered by private insurance.  Home Health service must be related to a current diagnosis that makes someone homebound.  Homebound means that leaving the home requires a “taxing effort”, and must be ordered by a physician.

Home health agencies may offer both medical and non-medical services.  Health services include skilled care provided by a nurse, certified nurse aid, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist and/or medical social worker.  Home health care agencies may offer other services, like sitters and housekeepers, for a fee.

• Does the individual qualify as homebound?
• Are skilled health care services required?
• Does the individual have Medicare or other insurance to cover the cost?
• Is it safe for the individual to be home?  Or, will home care improve the safety of the individual at home?

Home Health Care

Common Questions

On-line Resources

Contacts

• Alzheimer’s Association: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-in-home-health.asp
• How to Select an Agency: http://www.cicoa.org/services/in-home-services/how-to-select-a-home-health-care-agency.html

• National Association for Home Care & Hospice: 1-202-547-7424