Home Health Care

While this term may be self-descriptive, the options are diverse.  At the most basic level, home healthcare refers to the process of a healthcare provider or caregiver coming to the patient’s home to provide needed services.  Most communities have home healthcare agencies which are professional organizations geared toward providing in-home nursing care.  If a doctor has prescribed higher level, in-home nursing care, for example intravenous medications or wound care, it is usually necessary for a certified nurse to provide these services.  Consequently, medical insurance may cover the cost of this in-home care.  In many instances, an individual may not require these higher level nursing services, yet the client does require assistance with medication supervision, bathing, grooming, and other activities of daily living.  Unless the client has purchased long-term care insurance or qualifies for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, these types of services are not generally covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or through private health insurance.  Home healthcare agencies often provide assistance with activities of daily living on a fee-for-service basis.  For individuals who intend to remain in their own home but who need assistance with activities of daily living, hiring an independent caregiver may be the most cost-effective option.  In some instances, a client may need to hire two or three different caregivers, particularly if the individual requires assistance 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

If you would like to learn more about home healthcare and in-home caregivers in your community or to schedule interviews with caregivers, contact DrKnows toll free at 1 (844) DrKnows – that’s 1 (844) 375-6697.