Senior Resources 2022 Northeast Directory

h OME h EALTh A GEnCIES

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Medicare/Medicaid Programs. When looking for a home health agency to provide you or your loved one with assistance in the home, you should consider the follow- ing; • If you are in need of personal care services, make sure the agency provides actual hands- on care and not just “assistance” with bathing or transferring. Many times the non- medical agencies can provide the “assistance” services at a less expen- sive level of care there- fore you shouldn’t need to pay for personal care services unless it’s actu- ally hands-on assis- tance. • If you have a long term care insurance policy, have the agency check with the insurance com- pany directly to ensure the cares are covered under your policy. The agency should be happy to do this for you. • Always ask the agency about minimums – hours per visit and vis- its per week. • Ask about the agency’s

ftentimes, decisions about elder care and senior living are made as a result of an injury or illness and a decision regarding home care, home healthcare, or assisted living services must be made quickly. however, being knowledgeable about your options and planning ahead will allow you to make the best decision for all involved. home health Agencies can really be defined by the level of services being offered. Non-Medical Home Health Agencies differ from companion type services because they provide an additional level of assis- tance in the home. In addi- tion to the homemaker/companion services such as meal prepa- ration, light housekeeping, errand services and recre- ational activities, a non- Medical home health Agency may also offer hands-on personal care ser- vices. Personal care services typically include assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing, groom- ing, eating, mobility, and

toileting. A non-medical agency which offers this advanced level of person- al care may be reimbursed by long-term care insur- ance policies but typically is not covered by Medicare/Medicaid. An agency such as this is still considered non-medical because it is not providing the skilled cares that a licensed home health agency provides. A Licensed Home Health Agency provides skilled care in the home that may include services such as Iv therapy, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or respira- tory therapy. Most home health agencies also have home health Aides to provide personal care ser- vices such as bathing, grooming and dressing assistance. Many times the services provided by a licensed home health agency may be reim- bursable through private insurance coverage or

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