What is Home care?

Home care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital or other institutional care. It is a broad range of professional health care and support services provided in peoples’ homes. As hospital stays decrease, increasing numbers of patients need highly skilled services when they return home.

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Who provides Home Care?

Home care services are usually provided by home care organizations but may also be obtained from registries and independent providers. Home care organizations include home health agencies; hospices; homemaker and home care aide (HCA) agencies; staffing and private-duty agencies; and companies specializing in medical equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, and drug infusion therapy. Several types of home care organizations may merge to provide a wide variety of services through an integrated system.

 

How do I choose the Right Home Health Care Company?

There are many important factors to consider in choosing the best agency to meet your needs. First you must assess what types of services you will need and find an agency that offers those services. Ask the agencies you are considering about their accreditations, licenses and certifications. You’ll also want to evaluate the quality of care, and the skills and training of personnel at the agencies under consideration. You can always go to www.medicare.gov to compare home health care agencies.

 

Who pays for Home Health Care?

Home Health Care is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Benefits and requirements may vary with each insurance. A THHS representative can assist you in checking your benefits.

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How long does Home care last?

Each home visit lasts as long as it takes to provide necessary care usually anywhere from one-half hour to two hours or more.

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When are Home health care services provided?

Home health care services provided by a Home Health Agency are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year depending on the needs of the patient.

For more information contact one of our representatives.