About Home Health Agencies

The elderly and disabled population in the United States continues to increase with the "graying of America." Due to this demographic change, growing numbers of today's baby boomers will require health care in the coming decades. Instead of going into nursing homes as in the past, more aging individuals want to stay home as long as they can. This means that they still require some health support. Home health agencies have a staff of health care professionals who can provide a range of medical services in people's homes and allow the residents to live independently as long as possible.

Identification

Home health agencies provide a wide variety of services. For example, some older individuals just need help with the upkeep of the house, such as cooking and housekeeping jobs and making sure they take the right medication. Other elderly individuals must have help with their personal care activities, such as bathing, getting dressed and eating. Individuals who are disabled require greater physical care. There are also occupational and physical therapist and skilled nursing care professionals who go into the homes. The individuals who work for home health agencies are frequently licensed practical nurses, therapists, and home health aides. They not only work in homes but may also be employed by hospitals and public health departments.

Prevention/Solution

Since the individuals from the home health agency will be spending considerable time with a parent or other relative or friend, you want to ensure that this person provides the best service possible. You will want to meet with about three agencies so that you can compare their services and choose the one that will offer the services required. Your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or social worker can help you define the specific services needed.
Most likely, you know someone else who has recently hired a home health agency. If at all possible, get recommendations from someone you know. If the state licenses home health agencies, you can also find out if any of providers you are comparing have had any licensing renewal problems. You do not have to rush into hiring anyone. This is an important step, so wait until you feel comfortable about who you hire. Remember, you can also stop by the house at any time, unannounced, to check up on the care.

Considerations

Sit down with a representative of each of the home health agencies and bring along a set of questions that cover a number of different topics. For example, you want to know if the agency is licensed by the state. How long has it been opened? Does it specialize in any particular area? What overall services does it offer? What about the staff members? What types of health professionals are on the staff? Are they bonded? What if the elderly person is unhappy with the staff person? Do you have any say on whom can be hired to take care of your parent? How much is charged and how is payment made? Is there a sliding fee? How do services integrate with Medicare and Medicaid?
Even if you know someone who used an agency, you want to get testimonials from other patient's family members. You should talk to someone who is presently or has recently used the agency , rather than having the agency give you a name. Feel free to meet some of the staff, as well.

Benefits

The cost of acquiring home health health care differs, depending upon the state. Plus, you will pay different fees depending on the level of health care provider required. Financial sources include Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Veterans Administration and private insurance. Sometimes family members pay for the care, since the parents do not fit the criteria for financial support.
To be able to receive Medicare or Medicaid support, an agency needs to meet specific federal standards and provide skilled nursing services. Therefore, these programs do not pay for personal care services alone. Those who want to be covered under the Medicare or Medicaid programs have to be homebound and under a doctor's care.

Warning

Although the majority of states require that home health care agencies perform criminal background checks on their staff, as well as painstakingly screen candidates for these openings, the actual regulations do differ depending on the state where you live. It is important for you to call the local area on aging or department of public health before contracting with an agency.