How does home care work?
A. The term “home care” covers a broad range of medical and social services. The convalescent, disabled, chronically ill, or terminally ill individuals who require medical, nursing, physical therapy, social care, or assistance with activities of daily life receive these services at home.
When a person need ongoing care that cannot be easily or efficiently supplied by family and friends alone but does not require hospitalization, home care is appropriate. As their physical capacities decline, an increasing number of older persons who choose to live independent, non-institutional lifestyles are obtaining home care services.
Increasing numbers of patients require highly specialized care when they return home as hospital stays decline. Other patients can receive safe and efficient care while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.
What does the term “homebound” apply to your home care services?
Homebound patients needing to leave for medical care is something that applies to Medicare patients. Saba does not participate with Medicare. You do not have to be homebound to get a service.
How are home care services started up?
A. If you’re paying privately or using long-term care insurance, you don’t need a doctor’s order. Just call us or request a consultation, and we’ll arrange a visit to your home. Some insurance programs do require a doctor’s order first. Our guide on how to start home care explains each step. If you’re in the hospital, a discharge planner can also help with the referral.
Do patients have to be admitted to the hospital in order to be eligible for home care?
A. No. Care can start after a hospital stay, after a doctor’s visit, or simply when you decide more help is needed at home. If you think home care may be right for you or a loved one, contact us now to talk it through.
Who will cover the costs of the services?
A. Many families pay privately. Others use long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits. Pricing depends on the level of care, and we’ll go over it with you before services begin. Learn more about private pay home care, or contact us with questions about coverage.
Will private information be protected?
A. Saba Home Health Care complies with the Health Information Privacy and Portability Act, as do all of the contracted providers. Only employees who are directly involved in providing care have access to personal and medical information.
How often and for how long are the visits?
A. It depends on the care plan. Some clients have an aide for a few hours a week. Others need daily visits, round-the-clock care, or a live-in caregiver. A registered nurse also checks in by phone about once a month and visits in person every 60 days.
Will medical professionals contact to confirm appointments?
A. Medical professionals will schedule appointments at least one day in advance. Other appointments must be made known to them in order for them to change their schedule.
Will doctors get involved?
A registered nurse will supervise home care and keep track of a patient’s development. Our team can coordinate with the patient’s doctors to review their home care plan.
Do family members participate?
A. Patients and their families are expected to participate in their treatment because home health care is a transient sort of service. Our staff members are here to inform, instruct, and support patients in taking care of their condition, receiving treatment, and performing other tasks that must be done at home.
Are durable equipment and medical supplies covered?
A. Coverage for equipment and supplies depends on your insurance. We’ll let you know about any costs that aren’t covered before they come up.
Will services resume once a patient is discharged from the hospital if they were admitted?
A. We will stay in touch with the patient’s family and doctor while they are in the hospital. In order to continue with homecare after discharge, we will ask the hospital for discharge information.
What happens if a patient improves?
A. Our team keeps assessing each client’s needs. If less help is needed, we’ll adjust the care plan and schedule with you and your family.
Is it possible to cancel services?
A. Patients have the right to make decisions about their care with the help of their family members. They are free to discontinue services at any time and for any cause.