How do you know if you need home health? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may want to speak to a physician about home health care:

• Are you confused with your diet or medications?
• Have you had one or more falls recently?
• Are you adjusting to living alone?
• Are you about to have surgery?
• Do you have recurring wounds or symptoms?
• Do you frequently have to visit the doctor or the hospital?

What is Home Care?

Home Care offer a wide range of health care services provided in the patient’s home with the purpose of restoring and maintaining his or her maximal level of function, health, and comfort. Home care is a collaborative effort involving the patient, family, physician, and interdisciplinary home care team. It is a cost-effective alternative to extended hospitalization, lengthy rehabilitation, or nursing home stay. Patients are usually more comfortable in their own home and studies have shown that patients recover quicker at home.

Who would benefit from home care?

You or a family member may benefit from home care if you are:

• Recovering from a recent illness, surgery, or hospitalization
• Recently discharged from a nursing home but need additional care
• In need of education regarding your health problem and how to manage your disease effectively
• Terminally ill and wish to receive end of life care in your home
• In need of assistance in order to live independently at home and to enhance the quality of life at home

What kinds of agencies provide home health care?

• Medicare-certified Home Care Agencies
• Private Duty Agencies
• Non-Medical Home Care Agencies
• Home Medical Equipment Companies
• Home Infusion Companies
• Mobile Diagnostic Companies

• Visiting Physician Agencies

Who pays for Home Care?

Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial Insurances, Long Term Insurances, and HMO’s typically cover certified home care services when the criteria are met. Home care agencies will assist in determining your specific coverage and any co-pays. Private Duty and Non-Medical Home Care services are usually on a private pay basis.

What are the Medicare criteria for home care?

In order to receive home care services under Medicare, the patient must require skilled, intermittent nursing care, physical therapy, or speech therapy, have a physician’s order for home care, and be essentially homebound. Medicare considers a person to be homebound if leaving the home would require a considerable and taxing effort and if he has a condition due to an illness or injury which restricts his ability to leave his home except with the aid of devices such as crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, special transportation, or assistance of another person. Homebound patients may leave their home if absences from the home are infrequent or for periods of relatively short duration…or for the purpose of receiving medical treatment.

How are the patient’s home care needs determined?

All patients’ home care needs are evaluated during the first visit by a Registered Nurse or Therapist. Under the direction of the patient’s physician and with input from the patient and family members, an individualized care plan is initiated. The care plan is continually assessed and updated as the patient’s needs change and as progress is made. All of this is documented in the patient’s chart.

Does Pro Health Nursing, Inc educate family members on the type of care that is being provided?

Definitely! In fact, teaching is a very large part of our services. The care plan is made in conjunction with the patient and family and is discussed thoroughly. Our staff ensure the family and patient understand the care that will be provided, how often, etc. Much teaching is done on medications, safety, disease management, emergency procedures, community resources, nutrition, etc.

Does Pro Health Nursing, Inc assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes?

Yes, every employee has a supervisor that oversees the care patients are receiving. All staff are evaluated at least annually by their supervisor during a home visit. The home health aides are supervised every two weeks by a RN or therapist. Our supervisors are always available to our staff and patients for questions or help.