Sometimes recovery after a surgery or an illness may take more time and may need the services of a skilled nurse. Prolonged nursing home or hospital based care can be expensive in the long term. A more affordable alternative is to continue to recover at home with the help of registered and licensed healthcare practitioners. Home health agencies offer skilled nursing care for people who are home-bound and require long term healthcare assistance and monitoring.

Home Health Agency (HHA) meets the regulations set by the state and federal agencies. The agency can be a not-for-profit organization, a public or a private, profit making one. The HHAs are engaged in providing skilled nursing services and speech, physical and other therapies. Medicare covers the home based care, provided your doctor has authorized the same and the care required is not a constant one. The agency employs skilled, registered nurses and physicians who monitor the patient’s health and also maintain their clinical record.

HOME HEALTH AGENCIES PROVIDE A RANGE OF HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE INCLUDING:

• Monitoring of vital parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate
• Care for pressure ulcers, surgical wound dressing
• Nutrition therapies including tube feeding or intravenous support
• Administering other medications and injections prescribed by the doctor
• Patient education
• Monitoring of unstable health conditions
• Act as care coordinators by communicating with doctors and other healthcare providers

Consider the following as you search for a reputable and high-quality provider:

• Licensing and Insurance
They must be licensed by the State. They should be bonded and carry the required insurance. Quality agencies will be happy to share documentation
• Staff Qualifications
Verify that their professional caregiver staff are trained, experienced, and have undergone background checks.
• Caregiver Availability
Ask about the availability of caregivers and how the agency will ensure continuity of care. Will you have a regular caregiver, or will you get a different caregiver every shift?
• Communication and monitoring
How does the agency communicate with you? Is the plan of care available for review? How will they ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being?
• Cost and insurance coverage
Understand the cost of services and payment options. Medicare may not cover home care services in your state; most services are private pay. However, some agencies accept long-term care insurance and VA benefits.
• Referrals and reviews
Get referrals from friends and family and read online reviews of the company.
• Schedule a meeting
Require an in-person visit with the agency representative and ask any questions you might have. A personalized care plan should be created to ensure that expectations are clear and that all your loved one’s needs are addressed.