Home health care provides individuals with an ideal environment for managing chronic diseases or recovering from injuries or surgery in the comfort of their own homes. Services provided include nursing services, physical and speech therapists as well as non-medical caregivers who assist patients with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and meal preparation.

At home health care teams, however, patient autonomy is respected individually rather than on behalf of an entire group. Professionals work closely with both patients and their family to develop mutually acceptable plans of treatment and stay up-to-date with progress reports from doctors regarding patient progress.

Home health care requires that a doctor examine the patient and certify them as needing home healthcare. Once certified, Medicare-approved agencies will send out a nurse who will evaluate what care may be necessary; if additional therapies such as physical or speech therapy are required they will refer the individual directly.

Home health aides work under the supervision of nurses to provide personal care services, such as helping the patient get out of bed, bathe and dress. Additionally, they may assist with meal preparation, running errands and transporting people to medical appointments if necessary. Furthermore, a home health aide can be relied upon to administer any prescribed medications to their clients.

Home health care aides play an essential role in teaching patients and their families how to effectively manage their condition, using equipment or aids needed in the home. Furthermore, they provide support services for family caregivers, especially when managing stress or burnout is present.

One of the key aspects of home health care, according to Yount, is patient and family education. “This component empowers consumers with knowledge about available care options as well as what to look out for and do in order to be successful at home,” Yount says.

Yount suggests asking friends and family for recommendations of reliable agencies before selecting one for yourself or your loved one. She emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation, so ensure the home health agency allows enough time for you and your family to discuss specific patient needs with them before providing home care services. Make sure the agency also clearly communicates what services and supplies Medicare covers as well as which aren’t covered; both verbally and written notifications should be given out – any time items or services not covered are given out, an Advance Beneficiary Notice must be issued prior to giving any non-covered items or services being given out by them.