Many people get discharged from an inpatient rehab setting and are told that they will receive home health services when they return home. However many people do not fully understand what home health entails, why they qualified and how long they are eligible for these services.
What Services can Home Health Care Provide?
- Intermittent nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Home health aide ( assists with activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting and getting dressed ect.)
- Social services
- Medical supplies
How does one Qualify for Home Health Services?
In order to qualify for home health services under Medicare guidelines one must be under the care of a doctor who certifies that they need at least one of the following services:
- Intermittent nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Home health aide
- Social services
One must also be homebound. Homebound is defined by Medicare as having difficulties leaving the home without the the help of an assistive device such as cane, walker or wheelchair because of an illness or injury.
How long is one eligible for home health services?
Home health services will continue as long as your therapist and doctors feel as if it is medically necessary or until your insurance company tells you otherwise. If your insurance company or therapist tells you it is time to discharge and you feel as if it is too early, you do have the right to appeal.
Home health therapist typically only come 2-3 times per week. A great way to stay involved with your therapy everyday is by using the Neofect Smart glove or Smart Board. To learn more about our virtual reality Neofect Smart Rehab products, visit www.neofect.com or call us at 888-623-8984.
*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com
-Phone: (888) 623-8984
Becky Alter, OTR/LBecky is an occupational therapist and healthcare content writer based out of Denver, CO.
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