|
General Questions
Why choose home health care?
The need and interest in home health care has grown for many reasons. Medical science and technology have improved. Many treatments that could once be done only in a hospital can now be done at home. Also, home health care is usually less expensive and can often be just as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Finally, most patients and their families prefer to stay at home rather than stay in a hospital or nursing home.
What is home health care?
"Home care" is a simple phrase that encompasses a wide range of health and social services. Home health care is a cost effective alternative to hospital and nursing home stays. Generally, home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing medical or non-medical care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. It is a health care option that includes skilled nursing care, as well as other skilled and non-skilled care services, like physical and occupational therapy, personal care, homemaking and respite care. These services are given by a variety of health care professionals in your own home.
Good Neighbor's home health staff provides and helps coordinate the care and/or therapy that your doctor orders. The goal of short-term home health care is to provide treatment for an illness or injury. It helps you get better, regain your independence, and become as self-sufficient as possible. The goal of long-term home health care (for the chronically ill or physically or mentally challenged) is to maintain your highest level of ability or health, and help you learn to live with your condition.
Do I have a choice in which home health agency I use?
Yes. You have the right to choose any home health agency to give you the care and services you need. Your choice will be honored by your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or other referring agency. Even though some hospitals and nursing homes have their own home health care agency, you are not required to choose the hospital or nursing home's home health care agency. You may choose any agency that you feel will meet your needs.
As an example of your right to choose, let's assume your mom is admitted to the hospital or nursing home because she fell and broke her hip. Upon her discharge, she will need home health care services in order to continue to heal properly and regain her independence at home. Your mom is free to choose any home care provider she prefers. She does not have to select the hospital or nursing home's home care agency just because she was admitted to that hospital or nursing home.
In deciding which home health care agency to choose, you should select a Medicare Certified agency. Our agency is approved by Medicare and regular monitoring ensures the standards set by Medicare are met. Keep in mind that even if the home care services are not paid by Medicare, Good Neighbor Home Health Care is able to provide your home care services. We take pride in providing the best care at a fair price.
What kind of care do I need?
With Good Neighbor Home Health Care, your Registered Nurse (RN) will visit with you and/or your family to assess your needs and requests. During the evaluation, your nurse will determine the care you need. A detailed plan for your caregivers to follow will be developed by working with you, your family and your doctor. Your participation in this process is encouraged.
How many hours of care will you provide for me?
Good Neighbor has patients who only need a few hours of home health care per month and has patients who need care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and any level in between. Again, your care will be individualized based on your needs, and will change with you as your needs increase or decrease.
Is home health care only for the elderly?
No. Good Neighbor provides home health care services to people of all ages from infant to elderly and those with a variety of needs.
-
Younger adults who are disabled or recuperating from acute illness are choosing home care whenever possible.
-
Chronically ill infants and children are receiving sophisticated medical treatment in their loving and secure home environments.
-
Adults and children diagnosed with terminal illness are also being cared for at home, receiving compassion and maintaining dignity at the end of life.
-
As hospital stays decrease, increasing numbers of patients need highly skilled services when they return home. Other patients are able to stay at home to begin with, receiving safe and effective care in the comfort of their own homes.
-
Finally, more and more older people, electing to live independent, non-institutionalized lives, are receiving both medical and non-medical home care services as their physical capabilities diminish.
Good Neighbor Home Health Care is happy to provide your services without regard to race, sex, age, religion, medical condition, physical or mental challenge, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status or national origin.
Who will take care of me?
For general nursing care, Good Neighbor will assign a nurse with a broad range of experience in skilled care. If you require more technical care such as infusion therapy or a ventilator, a nurse with the required experience and specialized skills will be assigned. A Registered Nurse (RN) and/or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) will provide your care depending on your needs.
In addition to nursing care, other services are available depending on your needs, doctor's orders and eligibility. These services are supervised by an RN and include:
A Home Health Aide (HHA) is also supervised by an RN and provides individualized personal care for our patients such as bathing, dressing, assistance with walking and other services that give additional support to the nurse.
For patients who cannot fully care for themselves, simple chores can be difficult. Good Neighbor's caring Homemakers (and Respite Care Aides) provide companionship and support services , including light housekeeping, laundry, errands and shopping, and nutritious meal preparation. Our caregivers provide the emotional support that helps you maintain your independence.
When rehabilitation services are needed, therapy is conducted by certified professionals. A Physical Therapist (PT) assists in restoring strength and mobility. An Occupational Therapist (OT) assists in regaining independence in personal care and activities of daily living.
What does the term "aging in place" mean?
This refers to the ability of any person to grow old in their own home or a family member's home. It is the opposite of institutional care like a nursing home. Sometimes, it may mean the ability to stay in an assisted living facility.
|
|
