Remaining Independent Through Home Health Care

| In Home Care

Sharon Hardiman, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
Director of Home Health at John Knox Village

As a clinical nursing leader with more than 30 years of experience in home health care, I am frequently asked, “What exactly is home health care and how can I arrange for it?”

The short answer is, home health is customized care that is directed at healing, curing, restoring, supporting and maintaining your health and independence in your own home. It allows you to be active and engaged in your care decisions. What many people do not realize, according to Medicare.gov, is that home health care can be less expensive, more convenient than, and just as effective as, care that you can receive in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Home health can be arranged either through a physician prescription or through private care.

When arranging for skilled care through a physician’s prescription, the doctor will specify the type of care needed and the frequency of the care. Home health through a physician’s referral and prescription can be billed to Medicare or your health insurance if your policy allows it.

If you are not eligible for home care through your insurance, private care can be arranged to assist with the care and services you request to support you at home. Private care only requires a call to home health and a service agreement. A physician order is not required for home health made at your request and paid with your own funds. With a private request, you pay for the services that you request and contract for.

Home health can also be arranged with a para professional such as a health care aide or companion to assist with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing and assisting with your mobility.

The people who can provide care in your home include registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, therapists such as occupational, physical and speech language, home health aides as well as companions. The level of care provided by these individuals differs based on their area of specialty and level of training.

If you or a loved one is in need of home health care, ask your physician if care can be provided at home. Let them know that you are a resident of John Knox Village, so that your physician can discuss your care needs with one of our care professionals to tailor a plan specifically to your needs. If you are not eligible for home care by a physician order, but are interested in private care, please give John Knox Village Home Health a call to discuss a complimentary assessment.