Frequently Asked Questions
Home Care Questions
- Home care services are non-medical care intended to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). As such, they are not covered by Medicare.
- Most standard health insurance plans do not cover non-medical home care services, as they focus on medical treatments rather than assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
- Home care is a range of services provided to individuals in their own homes to help them with daily activities and maintain independence. Non-medical home care includes assistance with personal care tasks like bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship. Home care services are typically for seniors, individuals recovering from surgery, or those with chronic conditions who want to live comfortably and safely at home. Unlike medical home health care, non-medical home care does not require a licensed healthcare provider.
- We work with the individual and their caregivers to develop a personalized care plan to address their needs. The care plan are flexible and can be modified on an ongoing basis to meet the changing needs of the individual.
- The cost comparison between home care and assisted living depends on several factors, including the level of care needed, the number of hours of care required, and geographic location. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Cost Comparison
- Home Care: Typically charged on an hourly basis, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for those who only need part-time assistance.
- Assisted Living Facilities: Generally charge a base monthly fee, which includes housing, meals, and standard personal care services. However, costs can increase based on specialized care needs, such as memory care, medication management, or higher levels of personal assistance.
- Which Is More Affordable?
- Home care may be more affordable for individuals who only need a few hours of assistance each day.
Assisted living may be more cost-effective for those requiring 24/7 supervision, as round-the-clock home care can become expensive.
- The key difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility lies in the level of medical care provided:
Feature | Nursing Home | Assisted Living |
Level of Care | High level of medical care with 24/7 nursing supervision | Primarily non-medical care with assistance in daily living (ADLs) |
Medical Staff | Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and therapists available | Limited medical staff, but caregivers assist with medication reminders and personal care |
Services Provided | Skilled nursing, rehab therapy, wound care, IV therapy, and chronic condition management | Assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, grooming), housekeeping, meals, and social activities |
Cost | More expensive due to medical services | Typically lower base cost, with additional fees for specialized care |
Ideal For | Individuals with serious medical conditions or those needing 24/7 medical supervision | Seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require constant medical attention |
- A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and a nursing home both provide 24/7 medical care, but they serve different purposes and levels of care.
- A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is designed for short-term, rehabilitative care after a hospital stay, surgery, or serious illness. It provides intensive medical services such as physical therapy, IV therapy, wound care, and post-surgical recovery. The goal of an SNF is to help individuals regain strength and independence before transitioning back home. Many SNF stays are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for a limited period.
- A nursing home, on the other hand, is for individuals who require long-term residential care due to chronic illness, disability, or difficulty managing daily activities. Nursing homes provide assistance with personal care, medication management, and basic medical supervision but do not typically offer the same level of specialized rehabilitation services as an SNF. Nursing home stays are often private pay or covered by long-term care insurance rather than Medicare.
- Home care is non-medical, focusing on personal assistance, meal prep, and companionship. However, as a home care and home health agency, we also have registered nurses (RNs) who may be able to provide skilled medical care in the home..
- Paying for home care depends on your financial situation and available resources. Some common payment options include:
- Private Pay: Directly paying out-of-pocket for home care services.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: If you have long-term care insurance, it may cover home care services.
- Medicaid: For those who meet eligibility criteria, Medicaid may cover home care expenses.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans may be eligible for home care assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Other Resources: There are organizations that offer grants to assist with the cost of care, including respite care. Two organizations in Northern Nevada that offer $1,000 respite care grants are the Alzheimer’s Association and Seniors in Service.
Home Health Questions
- Home health services are medically-based services provided to individuals in their own homes to help with recovery, rehabilitation, or management of chronic conditions. These services are delivered by licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Medicare and other insurances cover home health services when prescribed by a doctor and the individual meets specific eligibility criteria. Home health services focus on improving health outcomes and helping patients maintain or regain their independence.
- Services Provided in Home Health Care
- Skilled Nursing: Registered nurses (RNs) provide care such as medication administration, wound care, and monitoring of vital signs.
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: Therapists help with recovery from surgery or injury, improving mobility, daily activities, and communication skills.
- Home Health Aide Services: Aides who assist with basic care needs like bathing or dressing in conjunction with nursing services.
- Chronic Disease Management: Ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- Post-Surgical Care: Care following a hospital stay or surgery, including wound care, monitoring recovery, and ensuring proper follow-up.
- To schedule home health visits, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Doctor’s Referral: Medicare requires a referral from a healthcare provider for home health services. Your doctor will assess your condition and determine if home health services are necessary.
- Choose a Medicare-Certified Home Health Agency: Research local Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or search online for agencies with positive reviews.
- Verify Medicare Coverage: Make sure that the home health agency is approved by Medicare and that your specific services are covered under your plan.
- Contact the Agency: Once you’ve chosen an agency, contact them to discuss your needs, schedule a visit, and confirm your coverage.
- Ongoing Coordination: Stay in communication with your home health agency to adjust the care plan and ensure the services align with your changing medical needs.
- Home health and home care are not the same, though they both provide assistance at home. Here’s a breakdown:
- Home Health: This service involves medical care provided by licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, and medical social workers. It is often prescribed by a doctor and covered by Medicare. Benefits of home health include skilled nursing care, therapy services (physical, occupational, speech), and wound care to manage medical conditions and promote recovery.
- Home Care: Non-medical home care involves help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and companionship. It’s typically provided by home health aides or caregiver. The main benefit of home care is offering support with daily activities to help individuals maintain independence and quality of life at home.
- In short, home health is focused on medical care and recovery, while home care is centered on personal assistance and companionship. Home health is covered by most insurances. Home care is not covered by Medicare and most other insurances.
- Being homebound means that an individual is unable to leave their home without considerable difficulty due to illness, injury, or disability. For Medicare to cover home health services, patients must meet the homebound criteria, which typically include:
- The individual requires assistance (such as a walker, wheelchair, or help from another person) to leave the home.
- Leaving the home is not recommended due to their condition, or it is so difficult that it is practically impossible.
- The patient has a medical condition that requires skilled care at home, such as recovery after surgery or a chronic health condition.
- Being homebound is a key factor in determining eligibility for Medicare-covered home health services, as these services are intended to support individuals who are unable to leave home safely.
Get Started Today!
Ask your physician for a referral to Comprehensive Home Health Solutions or call us at (775) 624-8939. Let us help you or your loved one achieve optimal health and independence at home.
Phone: 775-624-8939
