What is Home Health Care?

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Imagine you are recovering from an operation. You are disabled—too ill to take care of yourself; or, you have a condition which requires regular medical attention. Most would assume that they'd find themselves in the confines of a hospital or nursing home. However, with the assistance home health care provides, a family can be together in the comfort, security and privacy of their own home.

There are many services and different types of health care available in the home setting. A home health agency supplies a wide range of services provided by nurses, and other health care professionals. The care available through a certified home health agency generally includes those services which foster recovery, rehabilitation, recuperation and health education.

Home health care is an excellent, efficient and cost effective alternative to hospital care or other types of institutional care.

Patients in a hospital or skilled nursing facility must request Great Lakes Home Health Services to avoid being discharged to another home health care provider who may not offer the extensive services or superior quality provided by the Great Lakes Home Health Services.

Types of Home Health Care

Skilled Nursing Care
Nurses can provide care in accordance with a physician's orders by assessing the patient's condition, giving injections, wound care, instructing patients in self-care, teaching family members, monitoring progress and coordinating care given by other professionals.

Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists help the patient gain strength and coordination by administering and monitoring exercise routines and using special equipment.

Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists teach use of the hands and other fine motor skills, as well as cognitive skills to those challenged by stroke or other neurological causes.

Speech Therapy
Speech Pathologists provide treatment for speech, hearing and language communication; assist with cognitive functioning and loss of handwriting abilities; as well as swallowing and nutritional needs.

Social Workers
Masters prepared Social Workers (MSW) assist the patient with personal and financial situations; emotional and community support and counseling; and living in a new environment such as a relative's home or assisted living.

Home Health Aides
Home Health Aides can assist the patient with bathing, grooming and other activities of daily living.

Who Pays for Home Health Care?

Home health care is a Medicare Part A benefit which requires no co-pay or deductible. Other payment sources may include: Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, private insurance and workers' compensation. Some insurance policies will not cover all home health services unless certain conditions are met. If you insurance company does not cover the services you need, or you are uninsured, you may still obtain home health care through private pay or alternative funding sources.

You may qualify for home health care benefits under Medicaid if you:

Are homebound during the course of your treatment
Are under the care of a physician
Reside in Great Lakes Home Health Medicare coverage area
Require part-time intermittent skilled service