SeniorHousingLocator.org - Resources - Home Care & Hospice Services


Overview As an alternative to moving from one’s home, many seniors would prefer to have the care come to them. Home Care may be contracted to provide services in a senior’s home, apartment and oftentimes in an Independent Living senior housing setting. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice has identified several types of services that home care providers offer. Among them are medical services provided by physicians, registered nurses (RN), licensed nurse practitioners (LPN), and physical therapists which are generally referred to as Home Health Services. These services typically include wound care, respiratory care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, intravenous or nutrition therapy, injections and monitoring serious illness as well as ongoing health status. Non-medical services provided in the home include assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and chore services, These services are ideal for seniors that require assistance with personal care, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, cooking, etc. and desire to age in place.. Non-medical support services may or may not be accompanied by professionals who perform monitoring for an acute or chronic medical condition. In addition, home health aids may be contracted as companions to provide the human interaction and oversight support for peace of mind for the senior and their family. There are also several other specialty mobile services that may also be classified under Home Care. These services include mobile beauticians/barbers, dentistry, pharmacies, X-rays, foot care, and more. Home Care costs are most often paid out-of-pocket, particularly for non-medical services. However, a senior interested in this option but unable to afford it should speak with a local advocate through Senior Information and Assistance about alternative methods of payment. Home Health Services may be covered by Medicare if the certain eligibility conditions are met. Check out Medicare.gov to learn more. Quick Links For more Information, please explore the resources below: Medicare and Home Health Care (PDF) This official government booklet explains; How to find and compare home health agencies Medicare home health benefits and eligibility What is covered by the Original Medicare Plan Where to get more help with questions. Home Health Care Fact Sheet: A Guide for Families This resource can help you answer the following questions: How do I make sure that the home health care being provided is quality? What is the screening process for home health care? How can I pay for home health care? Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area This tool provides you with a way in which to compare the quality of service provided by home health agencies in your area. How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider? This resourse helps you understand what to look for and what questions to ask when screening home care providers. Visit the National Association for Home Care & Hospice The National Association for Home Care and Hospice is the nation's largest trade association representing the interests and concerns of home care agencies, hospices, and home care aide organizations. There is also an information and provider locator tool. National PACE Association The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly cares for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families. PACE serves individuals age 55 and older who are certified by the state to need nursing home care and are able to live safely in the community with the support of the PACE program at the time of enrollment.

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