Home Health Care Services Helps Seniors Remain Independent

There may come a time when a senior could benefit from using home health care.  

If they need in-home physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or the assistance of a nurse then they would qualify to use home health care. 

Seniors sometimes become unsteady on their feet and can benefit from in-home physical therapy.  After a senior has had a hospital stay it is likely they could benefit from using home health care.  If they have had surgery they usually need to build their strength back up.  Home health care uses therapists to assist with this.  Physical therapist assists in home health by helping seniors with exercises to improve their balance, walking and the ability to transfer.  Occupational therapists assist in home health care by helping a senior to learn how to do activities like making their bed, doing laundry or other common things with a deficit.  Speech therapy is utilized in home health when someone not only has a problem speaking but also when they as having issues with swallowing. 

Nurses can also assist in home health care by changing bandages, administering IV medications or performing other procedures.  Nurses also educate patients on how to handle new things like an ostomy or provide information on diet and other things relevant to their medical condition.  Nurse's aids can also provide home health services such as assistance with bathing, dressing or in changing medical equipment.

Home health care is actually covered by Medicare.  To receive home health care services you would need an order written by a physician that this type of care is needed.  In order to qualify for home health services paid by Medicare you must require skilled assistance such as a nurse or a therapist.  You must remember that the home health care services covered by Medicare are short term and intermittent.  Home health care can be started again when it is necessary.

Home health care can be an option to going to a nursing home for rehab after a hospital stay.  Sometimes families aren't aware that this is an option.  Usually when you are discharged home from a rehab stay you are also eligible for home health care services.  If you combine home health care with the support of family members or home care (non-medical) services then it is feasible to forgo a rehab stay in some cases.  It is important to be realistic about the care that is needed so they are safe.

There are numerous high quality home health care providers all throughout Indianapolis who offer these types of services.  Each of these providers is approved by the state and has been deemed to meet the standards of home health care state and federal guidelines.   

To help decide if home healthcare is a good option for your loved one an evaluation from a professional, like Aging Avenues can be beneficial or check out Aging Avenues list of home health providers or call us for a recommendation. We often see things that you may not be aware of and help you make the right choice in providers.  Aging Avenues serves

• Indianapolis and Speedway
• Greenwood, Franklin, Beech Grove
• Lawrence, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville
• Danville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, Mooresville
• Lebanon, Zionsville  

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