We manage the simplest of knee replacements to chronic and complex medical situations in the home. We meet the needs of patients with conditions such as weakness, frequent falls, post-surgical care, cancer care, heart failure care, lung and liver disease care, chronic pain management, diabetes care and dementia symptoms.
Home health has historically been one of the very best resources for geriatric or disabled individuals to improve their health and stay as independent as possible!
According to AHHQI 2015 Chartbook, the number of patients who received care any time during 2015: 4.9 million (2013)
The AHHQI says, more than 80% of home health care patients aged 65 and better have a primary caregiver outside of the home. Services commonly used by home health care patients aged 65 years and over included skilled nursing services (84%), physical therapy (40%), occupational therapy (37%), CNA (assistance with activities of daily living-ADL’s) 17%.
Historically, only 12% of individuals that can qualify for Home Health benefits actually utilize the service. This small amount of participation can be linked to lack of education to the eligible beneficiaries, lack of education in our medical system on the benefits of Home Health, and even individual refusal.
Many individuals have the misconception that you need to have a 3-night stay in the hospital to receive in home medical care. This is FALSE. In fact, Medicare recognized the benefits for both the patient and the Medicare dollars, therefore Medicare allows individuals to obtain home health, and fully covers the costs if a physician says they meet specific criteria such as:
- Homebound
- A medical necessity such as disease management needs, wound care, frequent falls, swallowing issues, mental health issues, therapeutic needs, post op needs…
- A medical condition that is in whole or in part for the needs of home health
We are impacting our medical care system by raising the standards of how Home Health and Chronic Care are done for the benefits of the individuals and families by reducing hospitalizations!