What Qualifies a Person for Home Health Care?

Many families experience a time when a loved one may need additional assistance. At that point, they must consider the type of services their loved one needs. Typically, they must choose between basic and home health care.

But what’s the difference, and how do you know if your loved one qualifies? This article will tell you all you need to know.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care

Here’s what’s involved in both services:

Home Care:

• Typically encompasses light housekeeping, companion care, meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, and self-care assistance.
• Provided by ‘unskilled workers’, who are trained to care for loved ones but have little to no professional medical training.
• Best for people with mobility issues and other minor health conditions.

Home Health Care:

• Encompasses all aspects of home care as well as light medical care, such as wound treatments, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring
• Provided by skilled workers such as a registered nurse (RN) or certified nursing assistant (CNA)
• Best for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, dementia, and heart disease

What are the Requirements for Home Health Care?

To qualify for home health care, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be Under a Doctor’s Care: One of the qualifications is to be under a doctor’s care. The physician confirms the need for home health services and creates a care plan.
• Homebound Status: The client must have difficulty leaving home, typically because they need a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility assistance.  
• Skilled Service Needs: The doctor will make a diagnosis to determine if your needs require skilled nursing aide services.
• Medicare Certification: Patients may apply for Medicare to cover these services. If approved, they must receive care from a Medicare-certified agency.

If your needs match eligibility standards, the doctor will sign a home health certification, indicating that you need advanced care. They may also refer you to providers that work with your insurance.

They will create a care plan to be passed on to the agency. The plan is recertified every 60 days. It may be revised to ensure it is updated to evolving needs.

Home Care Recharged Offers RN- Managed In-Home Care

After confirming eligibility for home health care, families must find a provider who meets their standards and can accommodate their loved one’s needs. Home Care Recharged offers recommended services.

Home Care Recharge covers all aspects of home care, including services for basic needs, chronic illnesses, dementia, and end-of-life care. Our highly skilled, compassionate staff is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve an improved quality of life. We are committed to quality and reliability.

Contact us to learn how we can support your family’s needs.

FAQs

What is the most common diagnosis for home health care?

Most home health care patients have been diagnosed with chronic conditions such as heart disease, COPD, stroke, dementia, and diabetes. The service is also commonly integrated into post-surgery recovery.

How does a person on Medicare qualify for home health care?

Medicare Part B offers health care to homebound individuals who require skilled care. Those recovering from a hospital stay or who have arrived home after spending time in a skilled nursing facility may qualify for coverage under Medicare Part A.

What is an unacceptable home health diagnosis?

Unspecific diagnoses, such as muscle weakness and unsteady gait, are unacceptable. A doctor must make a specific diagnosis, such as a chronic condition, to ensure the patient can get started with in-home healthcare participation.

How long does it take to get approved for home health care?

It can take four to six months before patients are approved for skilled attendant care. The process includes a comprehensive consultation to evaluate their income, assets, and health conditions.