What Is Home Health Care?

Seniors, remember home health care is a right. If the doctor fails to mention it as a possible alternate course of treatment, ask him about it.

What is home health care? It is a program or a service provided by health care professionals in the patient’s own home that can significantly reduce or perhaps eliminate a hospital stay.

History Of Home Health Care

Home Health Care began in the early 1970′s as a federally funded project that had to be self sufficient within two years of inception. Back then, the question “What is home health care?” resounded through hospital halls across the nation. Doctors saw it as an intrusion to their medical practice, and hospitals saw it as a way to lose patient days and patient revenue. However, the idea flourished because patients liked being able to be treated at home instead of staying in the hospital.

Home Health Care Became Golden

By the 1980′s with a national push to shorten the length of hospital stays and save Medicare money, the question “What is home health care?” became “How do we get on board with home health care?” Many hospitals started their own agencies, and entrepeneurs began setting up free standing home health agencies to provide these services.

What Is Available With Home Health Care?

First and foremost, the doctor has to order the service. It is his decision as to whether home health care is appropriate in any particular case. When he orders it, most of the time it is covered by insurance and/or Medicare just like the hospital stay itself. Skilled nurses can come to the home give shots, start IV’s, and change dressings following surgery, therapists such as physical, speech, and occupational can bring rehabilitative services to the home following strokes. There are even nurse aide services that can come to the home for baths and linen changes. What is home health care? It is a way to get hospital services at home and save money, time, and aggravation.

Related posts

1. What Services Do Home Health Agencies Offer?
2. How Do I Find A Home Health Care Aid?
3. What Are The Pros & Cons Of Home Health Care?
4. Is Hospice The Same As Home Health Care?
5. How Do I Qualify For Home Health Care?

Send this page to a friend ...

Enter friend's email address
.