FAQs - Learn more about home health

For some older adults, leaving home—even to get much-needed medical care—can be a struggle. Home health care is designed to help you recover in the comfort of your home through nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy. Home health care could also include home health aides and social work services. Your health care provider can order home health if they determine your condition requires you to remain in the home for rehabilitation and recovery from illness, injury, surgery or hospitalization, or are managing a chronic condition.

CenterWell Home Health is one of the nation's largest home health providers with locations in over 360 cities across 38 states. So, wherever you are—chances are we’re there, too. Click here to find CenterWell Home Health services near you.

We will work with your health care provider to determine the care team needed to meet your individual needs and the services to be included in your care plan. Depending on your condition, your home health visits may include nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Yes, a referral from your healthcare provider is needed to start in-home care. If you or a loved one is interested in receiving home health care services, speak with your primary care physician, nurse practitioner or other health care provider. You are also welcome to contact us 24/7 at 1-833-453-1107 to speak with our nurses and find out if home health might be right for you.

If you have Medicare, you have certain guaranteed rights and protections—including your right to choose your home health agency. Look closely at each agency and the services they offer, discuss your options with your doctor, and choose the agency that best meets your needs. In some cases, however, your choice may be limited by your insurance coverage. You can call your insurance provider for more information.

If you have Medicare Part A coverage, CenterWell Home Health services may be covered up to 100% for the visits your healthcare provider has ordered. Medicaid and private insurance will also pay for home health; however, benefits vary per policy and verification of benefits is required. Most providers will help you investigate your insurance benefits, or you can contact your insurance carrier directly.

Medicare considers you homebound if it is difficult for you to leave home, and you typically cannot do so. Or to leave home, you need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker or a wheelchair. Don’t worry—you can still leave home for medical treatment or non-medical events of an infrequent or short duration (like religious services, family events and/or to attend a licensed or accredited adult day care center) without putting your homebound status at risk.

Yes, we provide home health services for individuals residing in assisted living facilities. We’ll work with your facility and facility staff as needed to coordinate visits as well as your healthcare provider to develop and follow your plan of care.

Yes, depending on your individual needs, home health aide and social work services may be provided as part of your home health plan of care. If you are receiving nursing or therapy services and need support beyond clinical care, our home health aides and social workers can make all the difference. Whether you need help with activities of daily living, like bathing and grooming, or are challenged with regular access to healthy foods—our team can provide the support and resources you need so you can focus on your recovery and living life more fully.

There are several differences between home health and inpatient rehabilitation. One of the major differences is the location of care. Home health services are offered in the comfort of your home, whereas inpatient rehabilitation takes place in a facility with constant supervision and a more intensive and structured environment. Inpatient rehabilitation is helpful for individuals who may require a higher level of monitoring and therapy. It is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best setting for your rehabilitation based on your individual needs.

There are several differences between home health and outpatient rehabilitation. One of the major differences is the location of care. Home health services are offered in the comfort of your home, whereas outpatient rehabilitation is typically provided in a therapy office or outpatient clinic. Home health is helpful for patients with limited mobility who are not able to easily travel outside of their home to receive care. It is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best setting for your recovery and rehabilitation.

Yes, CenterWell Home Health provides post-operative care and rehabilitation in the home for patients recovering from a joint replacement surgery.  Our plan of care is designed to help provide a safe transition home, prevent complications and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. If you are planning a joint replacement surgery, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider about post-operative care with CenterWell Home Health. Or contact us 24/7 at 1-833-453-1107 to speak with our nurses and find out if home health might be right for you.

FAQs - What to expect as a home health patient

The first home health visit is an important step in your home health journey. Our team will come to your home to talk to you about your personal health goals and ask you questions about your health needs. This is also an opportunity to share your preferences and concerns so that our team can tailor your experience so that you have a safe, supportive and professional environment in your home.

The frequency and length of your home health visits will be based on the plan of care that our clinical team creates with your doctor or healthcare provider. The number of weekly home health visits and the amount of time a clinician spends with you during each visit will also be based on your condition and specific goals of care. Rest assured, our clinicians will work with you to schedule visits based on your availability, which typically take place during morning and afternoon hours.

When your doctor or healthcare provider orders home healthcare for you, they decide what types of care would benefit your condition. Then, our home health team coordinates that plan of care. Patients often need multiple types of care, such as nursing care along with physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. You may have only one clinician or as many as three or more clinicians. They work together to coordinate your care, but will conduct their home visits with you separately. They keep each other and your doctor updated on your progress to adjust the care plan if needed.  

Our home health team will work closely with your doctor or healthcare provider to create a comprehensive plan of care that is personalized for you and your needs. We will also keep you, your family and your healthcare provider informed throughout your time with us and updated on your progress.

Once you are referred for home health services, we will work with you and your healthcare provider to develop a plan of care designed around your unique health needs and personal health goals, this includes identifying the need for any of our advanced clinical programs.

From your first visit to the very last, our team will provide you with the resources to help you manage your condition on your own.  Our AfterCare Program follows up with you even after our services stop to evaluate your progress and make sure you don’t have any new or unmet needs. We’ll take action if you have any concerns.

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