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Is Home Health Right for You?

Whether you need post-surgery care, help with medication management, or need physical therapy after an injury, many health needs that used to require a hospital stay can now be managed in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to the growth of the home health care industry, nurses, physical therapists, and even medical social workers can provide the treatment you need in your own familiar surroundings.

Questions to ask yourself

Most people, if given the choice, prefer to receive health care at home rather than at a hospital or nursing home. If that sounds like you, ask yourself these questions:

• What are my medical needs?
• Is the physical layout of my home practical for my recovery or in-home care? Is the bathroom on a different floor from the bedroom? What small changes can I make to my home to make it more suitable?
• Are medical services nearby in case of emergencies?
• Who else lives in my home, and what degree of support can they provide? Will I have enough privacy to rest or heal comfortably?
• What will the cost be compared to a hospital or nursing home? Who will pay for it?

These questions are all important factors in determining whether home health care is right for you. Depending on your level of need and the services you require, home health care may be an excellent choice for aging or healing in place.

Paying for home health care

If you’ve decided that home health care is right for you, your next question is probably “How do I pay for this?” Home health care can be paid for in several ways.

• Private health insurance, long-term care insurance, and Medigap policies may cover some if not all of your home care costs.
• Medicare may pay for home health care if you meet a certain level of need: you’re physically confined to your home and require nursing care, but not enough nursing care to warrant treatment or care at a facility. You can check the Medicare website to find out if the service you need is covered.
• Medicaid programs, depending on the state you live in, may pay for home health if you meet the requirements. Contact your state medical assistance office to determine your eligibility.

At Family Home Health Network, we are dedicated to providing outcome-based patient care. In-home health care can help you avoid re-hospitalization and improve your long-term independence and overall health. We’ll create a comprehensive plan of care that helps you achieve your maximum level of wellness and healthy living – in the comfort of your own home.