What Goes Into Home Health Care For Seniors

What Goes Into Home Health Care for Seniors

Monday June 22, 2015

     Many seniors prefer to live independently in their homes. With the advent of new technologies to monitor safety, vital signs, and medications, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid, trends in government legislation to delay and/or reduce the need for long term care, many seniors and their families may decide that home care services are a viable way to receive health services. Home Care services are diversified based on the seniors’ needs. The decision to utilize home care services can be simplified by understanding what is home health care.

     The decision to utilize in-home care for seniors does not need to be overwhelming when one gains an understanding of what to look for in a home care company and the various ways that a senior can benefit with extra help at home. It is important to know the correct questions to ask when assessing and eventually contracting with a home care agency. Some of these questions may include:

1. Does the company provide skilled care which involves the services of a registered nurse following a hospitalization for a short-term period and should assist with reducing unnecessary hospital admissions?

2. What does the company define as home health care? These services are usually more long-term and may utilize the services of an aide to assist with specific tasks including by not limited to bathing, cooking, dressing and companionship.

3. Ask yourself if you need a specialized home health care provider who has experience in cardiac and orthopedic aftercare, wound care, and medication instruction?

4. Does the company assess the client’s interests, medical history and also interview the family for suggestions?

5. Will the home care company provide references and background of their history and financial strength?

6. Will home care company provide services for escorting patient to medical appointments or outings?

7. Make sure that you know the costs for services and if specific services are provided by insurance.

8. Does the home care company have specific credentialing, perform background checks of employees and provide ongoing training?

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, home care and home health services will play a major role in supplementing a patient’s care. For more information on in-home care for seniors, please 215-371-3490.

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