What is Homecare

Home health care is defined by CMS as skilled nursing care , as well as other skilled care services, such as physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology (therapy) services. Services may also include medical social services, and assistance from a home health aide (when needed by people also receiving skilled care). These services are provided by a variety of health care professionals in the client’s home. The home health staff provides and helps coordinate the care and/or therapy the client’s doctor orders. In support of the client’s doctor’s orders, home health staff develop a plan of care, which is a written plan for their care. It tells what services the client will get to reach and keep his/her best physical, mental, and social well being. The client has a right to participate in planning his/her care and treatment. The home health staff keeps the client’s doctor up-to-date on how he/she is doing and updates the care plan as needed. Home health agencies cannot make changes to the care the client’s doctor orders for he/she without the doctor’s knowledge and permission. As a patient of a Medicare-approved home health agency, a client has several rights and the home health agency must provide one with a written copy of them. They include the following: The right to choose your home health agency, although for members of managed care plans, the choices will depend upon which home health agencies your plan works with. The right to have the client and the client’s property treated with respect The right to have the clients family or guardian act for them if they are unable The right to complain to the agency or the State Survey Agency about the client’s treatment or care if it not provided, or staff shows disrespect for the client and his/her property The right to be given a copy of plan of care, so the client can ask questions about the type of services and staff the home health agency plans to provides and how often to expect those services.

The need for home health care has grown for many reasons. Medical science and technology have improved. Some care that was once provided only in a hospital can now be delivered at home. Also, home health care is usually less expensive and may be as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility . And just as important, most patients and their families prefer to stay at home rather than be in the hospital or a nursing home when their condition allows them to be cared for at home. Since home health care is part-time and usually temporary, patients (and their informal caregivers) need to learn how to identify and care for possible problems, like confusion or shortness of breath. While a client receives home health care, home health staff teaches the client to continue any care needed, including medication, wound care, therapy, and managing stress. Even if a patient’s health condition (such as heart failure or diabetes) is not expected to get better, patients can improve how they manage and live with their illness.

 

*This information obtained at  Medicare