Senior Resources Northeast Directory 2018-19

H OME H EALTH A GENCIES

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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

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 ser- vices typically include assis-

tance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobili- ty, and toileting. A Non- medical agency which offers this advanced level of personal care may be reimbursed by long-term care insurance 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 ther- apy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or respira- tory therapy. Most home health agencies also have Home Health Aides to provide personal care ser-

insurance coverage or 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. 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, Many times the non- medical agencies can

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2018-19

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