Home health care services

Home health care services may be available to help older people with many aspects of health care, such as medications, wound care, medical equipment, and physical therapy. The provider may come for a few hours each day or stay 24/7.

Home health care services may include in-home nursing care to help a person recover from surgery, an accident, or an illness. If the person just left the hospital and still needs nursing care at home for a short time, the hospital can help arrange for a home health aide. In-home health services can also help manage long-lasting (chronic) conditions such as diabetes, for example, by testing a person’s blood sugar or giving insulin through a pump.

What to know about costs:

• Home health services charge by the hour.

• Medicare has limited coverage of home health service costs. The services must be short-term and provided by agencies certified by Medicare.

• Medicaid also provides coverage for home health service costs, but these benefits vary by state.

• Most private health insurance plans do not cover these costs.

• You must pay all costs not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.

To find a home health care service, ask your doctor or other health care professional about good options in your area. You can also ask friends or neighbors for referrals.