Frequently Asked Questions

What services are available in the home?
People are often amazed at the number of services that can be performed in the home. We can send nurses, nursing assistants, physical, speech, and occupational therapists to the home. We also have respite care to allow caregivers a deserved break.

Other services such as x-rays, phlebotomy, medical equipment, and many other services can be done without leaving home.

How do I know what services I need?
The services you receive are generally prescribed by your physician. In most cases, the doctor will recommend home health care. A nurse is sent from the home health agency, he/she along with the doctor, the patient and patient family, the Agency, determine what services would benefit the patient most.

What is Custodial Care?
This is a very important area, especially when Medicare is the insurer. Medicare will cover the cost of home health care by a certified agency. In most cases, patients are under the care of a home health agency for a limited time, 60 days is the initial “episode”. Patients sometimes become very used to having a person assist them with personal care duties and want to continue those services. However, Medicare ONLY covers services associated with the treatment of a condition. Once the patient’s goals have been met, the patient is discharged from care. Patients may opt to continue receiving care at their own expense.

I have home care from Agency A, but am not happy, what can I do?
Anyone can get home health care from nearly any home health agency (depending on the insurer). If you are not satisfied with the staff or quality of care you are receiving, you should first try contacting the Agency Administrator and voice your concerns. If you are still not satisfied, you can change agencies with a few phone calls. Contact your Doctor and tell him about your request. In most cases, another agency can continue services the very next day.