There are two types of home health care:
- Skilled Home Health Care – This type of home care is covered by insurance, often times Medicare. Skilled home care provides services by Registered Nurses, Medical Social Workers, Home Health Aides, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists. Skilled home care is a service that is provided often after someone has been in the hospital, has had a change in condition, and/or has been diagnosed with a new condition, i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, injury at home. The goal of skilled home care is to assist the patient and their caregiver to be as independent as possible in a home setting. This service does require a physician order.
- Private Duty Home Care – This type of home care is primarily paid for by the person receiving the services. Some people have long term policies or another type of insurance that would cover private home care. Private duty services often entail someone coming to the home and staying for several hours. The person may assist the patient with a bath, personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry, Also, private duty can be used for someone who is unable to stay alone. Private duty services can be used for a couple of hours a day or up to 24 hours a day.
- Hospice Care – This type of care is for those who are at the ends of their lives. The focus becomes comfort and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer an option. This requires a physician order and is covered 100% by Medicare and most other major insurances. The Hospice follows an Interdisciplinary team approach which includes: Hospice MD, RN, LPN, MSW, Chaplain, Volunteers, Home Health Aides, and also Bereavement support after the patient passes away. Hospice visits are intermittent, they can be daily, but do not take the place of caregivers in the home.
Loan Closets/Donations
Loan closets primarily provide a means to “loan” various types of assisting devices and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. Loan closets are available at almost all of the local Senior Centers in Genesee County. In addition, you can contact your local VFW hall, or your local church to inquire about availability of loaner equipment. You may also contact Hometown Heroes at 888-852-3310 for no cost and/or low cost durable medical equipment and supplies. Donations are also accepted.
