1. What is the benefit to utilizing Home Health?
Most importantly, Home Health helps people live independently. Many people leave the hospital with ongoing skilled health care needs. Home Health can help with the transition from hospital care to independent living. When clients recover their strength, they can move to outpatient therapy. Home Health can prevent repeated re-admissions to the hospital for chronic problems.
2. What insurance do you accept?
Our Agency accepts Medicare and will accept Medicaid and most major medical insurance. We are continually developing relationships with insurance providers to ensure the needs of our patients are met. Please contact us to confirm which insurance companies we are currently accepting.
3. Does Medicare cover home care?
Medicare covers home care 100% as well as all Medicare HMO insurances.
4. Does my insurance cover home care services?
Most commercial insurance policies cover 80 – 100% of services; however, each policy is different. We will always get authorization prior to making the first visit.
5. I don’t have insurance; can I pay out of pocket?
Many of our services can be paid for privately. Some people may be eligible for government assistance. Check with your local Council for Aging for more details and to see if you are eligible.
6. How do I start receiving home health care?
Usually, once your doctor refers you to an agency for home health services, staff from the agency will come to your home to talk to you about your needs and ask you some questions about your health. The home health agency will also talk to your doctor about your care and keep your doctor updated about your progress. Doctor’s orders are needed to start care.
7. How long does it take to get home care services set up?
Once a referral is made and we obtain the orders from your doctor, we can visit within 24 hours of when the referral was made. Contact us at (513) 271-1800.
8. How long can I get home care services?
The length of services is based upon the patient’s need as well as what their insurance policy allows. With Medicare, the visits are unlimited as long as there is a skilled medical need.
9. In order to receive home health, do I have to stay in bed and never leave my house?
Clients do not have to be bed bound to be eligible for home health and meet Medicare rules. They can leave the home with assistance to attend church, to handle appointments, or get their hair cut as long as these absences are still infrequent and it is still a taxing effort for them to leave. Any absences for medical reasons are necessary and do not disqualify them from being homebound.
Homebound status is confusing. “Homebound” essentially means that a patient has difficulties leaving their home without the assistance of another person or a device. Most commonly, this is a physical limitation possibly due to weakness, lack of endurance, or ambulation problems. It can also apply to patients who are not functioning mentally at a normal level and could get lost or who have memory problems and could not leave the home alone for safety reasons.
There are also situations where a physician can recommend that a patient be homebound for medical reasons, such as for infection control as with an open and draining wound or if they had a surgery whereby it is not safe for them to drive alone.
10. Can I reach someone at Home Care Partners of Cincinnati 24 hours/7 days a week?
Absolutely. You can reach us at (513) 271-1800.
11. Will my nurse and/or therapist make visits on the weekend?
Yes. Home Health is a seven day a week industry.
12. Do the clinicians call my physician to give medical updates?
All clinicians will communicate directly with your doctor’s* office.
(*The doctor who ordered the home health services.)
13. How long is a typical home visit?
Most visits are between 45 – 60 minutes, but may vary depending on level of care.
14. What other services or needs can you assist me with?
We share your concerns as your life at home begins to change and certain medical conditions alter the way life used to be. Assisting you and enabling your loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home we are able to provide and/or coordinate the following services for you:
- Equipment Needs: Hospital beds, Over-bed tables, Trapeze bars, Bedside commodes, Wheelchairs, Scooters, Canes and walkers, Alternating pressure mattresses
- Bathroom Safety Aides: Raised toilet seats, Safety toilet frames, Hand held shower hoses, Tub rails, Grab bars, Bath benches
- Diabetic Supplies: Test strips, Alcohol swabs, Glucometers