Understanding the Differences in Care Options
Partners in Healthcare would like to be your trusted local resource for all your home care questions and needs. There are several models of home health care that offer different services and payment options. In this post, we’ll define these models in order to help you make an informed care choice.
- Private Duty Home Care is paid for directly by the client. Private duty services are basically any supportive services. They run the gamut from errands to transportation to companionship to personal care to nursing. Certain long-term care insurance policies, workers’ compensation and armed services funding may cover private duty services pending specific qualifications of the agency and policies.
- Medicare Home Health is usually referred to as “Home Health Care” and the term refers to Medicare-certified agencies whose in-home care services are paid for by Medicare. These services are reimbursement-driven, meaning that the patient has to fit into a specific category for which care is reimbursed by Medicare. Home Health Care is skilled nursing services that one receives in the home for treatment of an illness or injury.
- Hospice Care is specialized care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when an illness no longer responds to treatments. Hospice neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice caregivers can offer specialized medical care, including pain management. Hospice care can be provided in the home or in the hospital, but someone must be with the patient at all times.
Most hospice care programs accept patients who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less and who have been referred by a physician. Hospice coverage is offered by most private insurance providers and through Medicare.
- Medicaid Home and Community-based Care is intended to provide services for those who cannot afford to pay for care. Coverage criteria are determined by the state and recipients are not required to be home bound or ill in order to receive services, unlike Medicare-reimbursed home care.
When considering home care options in Orlando, remember that we are committed to delivering exceptional RN managed home care. Together we will make a positive difference in the life of your loved one. Call us today at 407-788-9393, and follow us on Facebook at HomeCareOrlando.