Home health care allows elderly individuals to receive the support they need in the comfort of their own home. You can arrange for long- or short-term care, for example, to ease recovery after illness or injury. If you are considering home health care for yourself or a loved one, you likely have many questions about how the system works. This guide covers the basics.

A Guide to Home Health Care

What does home health care entail?

Professionals may provide hygiene care, meal preparation, laundry services, and transportation. Each individual's care plan is tailored to their needs. The overall focus is on maintaining skills needed for activities of daily living (ADL) to help individuals maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible.

Who provides home health care?

Home health aides are selected for their desire to help others. Often, the job is just as much about providing emotional companionship as it is giving physical support. Ask potential home health agencies about their team-members' qualifications. For example, agencies may request that employees complete a background check and hold a CPR license.

Does insurance cover home health care?

There are commercial insurances available. Some health care management organizations (HMOs) also offer coverage. Some individuals may qualify under Medicare if there is a demonstrated medical need for intermittent nursing care or physical therapy. In this last case, a doctor must provide a physician's order for the individual to qualify for Medicare coverage.

What are signs someone is ready for home health care?

When daily tasks become too challenging, it may be time to consider support. Laundry or dishes may pile up when an individual is too tired to take care of them, for example, or the fridge may be empty because driving to the store is exhausting. There’s no need to live such a lifestyle. In-home care is all about making day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.

A Hart of Pearls Healthcare provides home health care throughout St. Louis, MO. Each of their carefully selected caregivers is registered with the Family Safety Registry of Missouri and holds a CPR license. They care for seniors as well as individuals over 18 who are living with physical disabilities. Visit their website to review their services. To discuss your loved one's needs, call (314) 942-7414.