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Home Health Agencies can be very useful tools in a plan of care for an older adult. These services can also be used by individuals in their current living environment which may include a personal residence, retirement communities, apartment complexes, and subsidized housing units. Home Health Agencies can allow individuals to get the assistance they need in comfortable surroundings without having to relocate.

Home Health Agencies are state licensed and may pro Lde skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and personal care to individuals in their current place of residence. Services can include skilled nursing care, specific medical assistance, such as intravenous (IV) therapy or at-home wound care, and home health aides to provide assistance with daily living. Even people who are seriously ill or dying may be treated at home.

Home health services may be reimbursable through Medicare and Medicaid programs. Reimbursable services are limited and must be prescribed by a physician. Medicare certifies only agencies that offer skilled services. Personal care services may be covered if skilled nursing services are also being provided.

Homemaker Services

Homemaker/companion services are agencies which provide individuals with assistance in daily living. These agencies are not licensed and can provide non-medically oriented services to individuals, usually at lower rates than traditional Home Health Agencies. Companion services or personal care services offer non-medical services to assist the older adult in the home with services such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, bathing, and dressing. Companion services are usually not covered by Medicare/ Medicaid or private insurance. If there are skilled services already being provided in the home, some personal care services may be reimbursed.

Companion services may also be provided through community, religious, civic, or service organizations. There are also some publically funded services available. Contact your local Department on Aging for eligibility. Funding may be available through the Community Options Program in your community.