What Are the Hot Topics in Home Health Care?

Home healthcare has always been a big issue with government officials, politicians and citizens. Discussions abound about the best ways to approach the care and well being of children, adults and seniors. It's difficult to keep up with all the latest information, but following the current hot topics in home health care will help keep you informed.

Paying for Home Health Care

• Probably the hottest topic in home health care is how patients and families will pay for their loved one's care. If you don't work outside of your house and are able to bring your aging parent, relative or friend into your home, the costs can be significantly reduced. Otherwise, you can pay a home health care agency to work in your home or the senior's home. Family members can pool their money to cover the costs of in-home care. If you're paying out of pocket, you should negotiate the cost with the providing agency. If the family is unable to provide the money, you may qualify for government services through Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act or the Veterans Administration. You should also check with your health insurance company. A portion of home health care is often included in policies.

Types of Services

• Depending on the patient's needs, there are a variety of services available. Doctors often prescribe home health nurse visits to patients after an operation. These visits are usually terminated after a given time, but are typically covered by health insurance. Other professionals who perform home health care include registered nurses, social workers and physical, occupational and speech therapists. Services might include nutritional care, laboratory work, such as blood draws, dental and optical care, podiatry and help with medical equipment and supplies. Most communities also have volunteers who will act as companions, cook meals or do housekeeping.

Aging and End of Life Issues

• The topic of how to deal with a loved one's aging is always difficult to approach, but it's one of the foremost concerns in home health care today. With the high cost of assisted care facilities, more and more seniors are seeking ways to stay in their own homes. Most seniors don't like the thought of leaving home, and home health care services can help them stay where they feel the most comfortable. But if the senior is unsafe living without 24-hour care, many people bring their aging parents into their own homes. If you choose this option, and can't provide all the care yourself, you can get help from outside agencies, service providers and volunteers. Hospice services are also available with kind and knowledgeable professionals who will help you through the difficult times. When discussing end of life issues or changes in the senior's lifestyle, it's important to be patient but also honest.