Senior Resources HubCommon Questions

What is home health care?

Home health care is medical care delivered in the home by a team of homecare professionals including licensed nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and home health aides. Medicare-certified agencies provide intermittent care or short-term nursing and rehabilitative therapies under the direction of a physician in an effort to help clients reclaim optimal health.

Who uses home health care?

  • Those experiencing a decline in health due to new diagnosis
  • Those having difficulty managing a chronic disease like diabetes
  • Those recovering after an extended hospital or rehab stay
  • Those recovering from surgery like joint replacement or hip replacement
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients
  • Those experiencing frequent or recent falls

What are the advantages?

  • Personalized one-on-one care
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Convenience and comfort of home
  • Affordable healthcare option

How do I qualify for home health?

  • Medical necessity or having a skilled need as determined by your physician
  • Must meet Medicare homebound criteria which means that leaving your home presents a hardship or is a “taxing” effort
  • Must currently be under the care of a physician

Who pays for home health care services?

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover home health care. Some policies will not cover all home health care services unless specific conditions are met, but the staff at Capital Health Home Care will be happy to help you get answers to all of your insurance questions prior to service.

What exactly is skilled nursing?

Skilled nursing homes are designed to house and assist individuals who have health conditions that require constant monitoring and availability of medical personnel, or in need of short-term rehabilitation. Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes or extended care services, provide 24-hour supervision, meals, activities and health management support for their residents. Some senior living communities offer designated residences and specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

When it is time to consider a nursing home for your parents?

Both medical and personal care needs have become too great to handle at home or in another senior living community. This may be due to a recent hospitalization, or a chronic illness, which has gradually been worsening.

Your loved one needs a higher level of care temporarily after a hospitalization, but it is anticipated they will be able to return to home after a period of time.

What can be brought with our family member?

The skilled nursing facility will provide all of the furniture needed in their apartment. However, to make it feel like home, we encourage residents to bring personal items such as family photos, a familiar bedspread, and treasured knickknacks.

If possible, make a visit before your loved one moves in, so you can see the physical layout, sizes of the rooms, amount of closet space and any furniture or household items that are included.

Are there social activities?

Yes. Our skilled nursing homes have a full calendar of activities and social events for residents, including art classes, ice cream socials, bingo, game night, prayer service, movie night and guest speakers. In addition we have beauty parlors, restaurant-style dining and other amenities that will make you feel more at home and provide socialization.

How much does skilled nursing cost?

The cost of skilled nursing varies depending on where you live, what level of care is provided and what type of accommodations you choose. Medicare covers post-hospital, short-term skilled care—For some seniors who meet eligibility requirements, Medicaid might pay a portion of the cost. Please contact one of our convenient locations and we will be happy to help you get answers to all of your questions.