What is Home Care?

Home care is a service that provides treatment or assistance to a recuperating, chronically ill or disabled person in the home. The service can be provided on a short or long term basis. Home care includes a wide array of services from high tech nursing care to companion or sitter care.

Per visit home health services are provided under the orders of a physician, and these visits usually last an hour or less. Home health visits are covered by third party payors such as Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. However, coverage varies and services are provided in accordance with the requirements of the third party payor (see Payment Options).

Private duty service is often provided for longer periods of time, in shifts of four to 24 hours. Private duty is usually paid for by the individual or family although, in some cases, a third party will cover the cost of shift care.

The following services are included:

• Skilled nursing including clinical specialities such as infusion therapy or wound care.
• Rehabilitation including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
• Medical social work for resource planning and support.
• Personal care services such as bathing provided by home health aides.
• Nutrition services including assessments and education.
• Private duty nursing; home health aides for personal care, homemaking, running errands, laundry and light meal preparation.
• Coordinating intravenous medications and medical equipment.

For further information, call (502) 581-8621 or (800) 346-4577.