Home health care is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to institutional care. Service is based on the individual’s needs.

In many cases, home health care allows a person to be discharged earlier from a hospital or transitional care unit, reduces hospital admissions, and helps with a faster recovery.

• People of all ages
• People who can leave the hospital or transitional care but need additional care
• People who have short-term health needs
• People who need assistance, due to age or disability, to remain at home

Different types of care require different certifications and training. Depending on specific needs, the caregivers coming into a home can vary. Different types of caregivers could be coming to the home at different times of the day, week, or month as part of your care. Personal cares are most often provided by a home health aide (HHA) or certified nursing assistant (CNA). Private duty nursing care and home health care services are provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Additionally, there may be other professionals who don’t come to your home on a regular basis, but are helping to manage care. These experts may help with things like overseeing your overall care experience, coordinating schedules, billing insurance companies and Medicare directly, and verifying your benefits eligibility.

Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurances may cover the cost of home health care services. Some insurance policies will not cover all home health care services unless certain conditions are met. You can still obtain care on a private-pay basis.

Make a list of your loved ones needs and ask questions. Ask trusted professionals including hospital discharge departments, your doctor, or public health departments.