FAQ

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.

If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty with daily activities, need medical assistance, or wish to recover at home rather than in a hospital, home health care could be the perfect solution.

Home healthcare services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and personal care assistance such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

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 253-237-3338 to speak with one of our nurses and find out if home health might be right for you.

Absolutely. If you have Medicare/Medicaid, 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.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare & Medicaid, cover home health care services, 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.

To get started, speak with your primary care physician/doctor about a referral, or contact a local home healthcare agency to discuss your needs and set up an initial consultation.

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.

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.

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.