Whether you’re just beginning to think about hiring home care for yourself or you’ve already been using it for some time, there are a few things you should know about it.
Short-Term or Long-Term
Many resources are available to help you stay in your home and avoid nursing home care, whether you are a senior or an adult. Home care and long-term care services home care agency Rochester Hills MI are geared toward helping people with progressive or debilitating conditions live independently. They can also help people who are recovering from an illness or injury.
There are two primary home care services: informal and formal care. Family, friends, neighbors, or volunteer organizations provide informal care. Informal care may be provided free of charge or for a small fee.
Formal home care involves the assistance of a professional caregiver. The caregiver may be a nurse, social worker, or therapist. They can assist the seniors with everyday activities, including eating, dressing, moving around, and using the toilet. They may also administer medication, complete medical orders, and monitor vital signs.
Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Most Private Insurance Plans
Depending on the type of care you require, Medicare, Medicaid, or most private insurance plans can cover some or all of your home care costs. Before you begin services, make sure you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
For example, Medicare covers home health care for homebound individuals needing skilled care. These services include physical and occupational therapy. Medicare also pays for medical supplies provided by Medicare-certified home health agencies.
Medicare Part A pays for home healthcare services for up to 100 days. To qualify for Part A coverage, you must have a doctor’s referral and be certified as homebound. You may qualify for Part B if you need more than 100 days of home health care.
Medicare Part B pays for home health care services that don’t require hospitalization. These services include therapy, medical equipment, and durable medical equipment. You may also qualify for hospice care. For hospice care, you must be terminally ill and receive certification from your physician.
This Can Lead to Unplanned Hospitalizations
Among home care clients, unplanned hospitalizations are a regular occurrence. Identifying modifiable risk factors can go a long way in reducing such visits.
The Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC) is a register-based study to identify modifiable risk factors for unplanned hospitalization. Using national hospital discharge records, 6812 home care clients were surveyed. The RAI-HC uses four validated scales and measures to identify determinants for unexpected hospitalization.
It Doesn’t Need to be Prescribed By a Doctor
Whether living with a chronic illness or recovering from a medical setback, in-home care services can help you maintain your health and live more comfortably. Professional caregivers can provide both short-term and long-term care at home. These services can be a lifesaver for anyone coping with a health condition. In addition, in-home care can help people with special needs. In addition, home care services can help seniors who need assistance with various tasks, including cleaning, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
To qualify for home care, a patient must be certified as homebound by a physician. The medical professional must also be able to document a face-to-face encounter with the patient within thirty days of ensuring that the patient requires home care.
