Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a home care question? Here are answers to questions we are often asked. If you have questions that aren’t listed here, please call us or submit a question on our contact form.
- Recovering from surgery or an illness?
- Dealing with a chronic condition that requires ongoing care?
- In need of assistance with activities of daily living like bathing or walking?
- Unable to leave home without assistance from another person?
- Providing care to an aging or fragile person, and you yourself are in need of a respite?
If you answered “yes,” to any of those questions, then home care may be a good option. Home care lets people heal, manage conditions, and “age in place” in the comfort of home.
Skilled home health care includes services that are ordered by a medical doctor and performed by a clinical expert. Patients must be home-bound to receive these services, so if you can readily drive yourself to the doctor’s office, then your physician won’t be able to order home care services. Skilled care includes nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, and may also include bathing assistance (if you are receiving skilled services too).
To qualify for skilled home care services, you will need an order from your doctor, have a face to face appointment with your doctor 90 days prior to starting home care or within 30 days after starting home care, have a need for intermittent care, and have taxing difficulty leaving your home. If you meet these conditions, then skilled home care is covered by your health insurance.
PRIVATE DUTY MEANS…
Private duty services are non-medical and typically paid for out of pocket, which means you are privately hiring a caregiver, although in some instances long term care insurance or veterans’ benefits will cover private duty home care. These services are also called personal care, companionship, support at home, or living assistance. They do not require a doctor’s order.
Private duty care may be provided in the home or outside of the home to allow people to stay independent, safe, and secure. Services include:
- Companionship
- Domestic help – light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, etc.
- Transportation to doctors’ appointments, social events, and prescription pickup
- Personal care and hygiene – including help to bathe safely
- Dementia care and support for family caregivers who might need a break
- Medication setup by a licensed nurse
Typically, private duty services require a minimum of 2 hours each time but can go as long as 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You must be 65 years or older; however some under the age of 65 may qualify due to a disability.
- Your physician must determine you need home care and construct a plan of care for you individually that specifically describes why your medical condition leaves you homebound.
- You need medical assistance on a partial or full time basis because you require one of the following: nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or medical social work.
- You must be incapable of leaving home without considerable taxing effort.
- Ask your doctor, social worker, or hospital discharge planner about home care agencies in your area.
- Search a list of licensed agencies in your area or get in touch with Michigan’s department of health or social services.
- Contact the Medicare hotline or use Medicare’s Home Health Compare.
- Read every word on our website, and then call Diamond Home Care at 1-866-414-3447and tell us about your needs!
- Is more affordable than nursing homes or other institutions.
- Provides for faster release from the hospital.
- Allows patients and family members to be more involved with the patient’s treatment.
- Boosts patient morale because they are more comfortable at home.
- Enables patients to recover more quickly than in the hospital (research proves it!).
Private duty or personal home care…
- Allows people to live at home for as long as possible.
- Enables people with dementia to stay in their familiar surroundings where they can readily find the bathroom, kitchen, or their favorite comfy chair.
- Gives respite to family caregivers who may want to go on vacation or have trusted overnight care for a loved one.
If you are seeking personal care services or assistance to deal with dementia or any other ongoing condition at home, then call our office or send us an email, and we will talk with you about the ways that we can provide support services for you.
My husband and I are both seniors with our share of physical difficulties. He had open heart surgery a few months ago, and I am oxygen dependent with severe arthritis. The home health aide who helps us is very conscientious. She assists him with daily tasks, prepares meals, and goes far beyond what we had hoped. Thank you for your professionalism and dedication.
December 19, 2016
