5 Myths About In-Home Healthcare

If you are a senior who is finding it more difficult to do things at home or a senior in a nursing home that wishes that they were home again, then you may be thinking about getting in-home healthcare. You may, however, have heard some myths about home healthcare causing you to have doubts if it right for you. Here are five myths that you may have heard along with the right information about each of them.

Home Health Care Is Expensive

Home health is not expensive. In most cases, your insurance may cover the cost of it, so it does not cost you anything to get the extra help that you need. Your health care provider must certify that you qualify for services based on your medical condition. The doctor must also declare that you are homebound. If you meet those two conditions, then home health care is normally free if you have Medicare.

Home Health Care Workers Do Not Care

As a general rule, home health care workers have chosen to work in the field because they care deeply about the patients that they are taking care of regularly. In addition, most have supervisors that make sure that they are highly qualified to care for seniors and others with disabilities. Most seniors can simply call the supervisor to get their home health care worker replaced if there are problems.

Home Health Care Workers Are Untrustworthy

In most states, home health care workers must pass a complete background check before they are hired by the agency. Most workers also realize that seniors have worked very hard to get the things that they own. Therefore, they would never think of stealing from a senior.

People Must Be Very Sick to Get Home Health Care

There are generally two types of home health care. The first type is for people who need a lot of medical care including dressing changes, help taking medicines and other skilled nursing care. The second type of home health care helps the senior do things that they used to do easily for themselves like shopping, bathing and going for walks. One of the primary jobs of the home health worker is often to provide companionship, which can be important in beating depression.

Home Health Care Covers Only Housekeeping

There are many different services available in home health depending on what you and your doctor decides is the right treatment plan for you. You may be eligible for skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Part of the cost of durable medical supplies and some drugs may also be covered when you get in-home health care services.

There are many different types of home health care. Calling an agency and asking about their services is often the best way to find out what services they offer. You will normally need to include your doctor in your treatment decisions before you can qualify for care.