Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Home Care

To help you understand the many benefits of home care services and feel comfortable with how it works, we’ve provided answers below to some of the questions we receive most often from patients and their families.

Q: What exactly is home care?

A: Home care provides specialized healthcare-related services and activities in the comfort of a patient’s own home from trained medical professionals working under the direct supervision of the patient’s physician. Home care services cover a wide range of medical, social and therapeutic treatments, as well as therapeutic activities that help patients return to living healthy and active lives.

Q: Who covers the cost of home care services?

A: Generally, Medicare and/or Medicaid will cover the cost of home care services for those patients over the age of 65 who meet either program’s eligibility requirements. Private insurance companies, managed care organizations, CHAMPUS and workers’ compensation plans may also pay for many of the services that LHC Group provides. Those services not covered are considered “out of pocket” expenses and are the responsibility of the patient or another party.

Q: Who provides home care services?

A: Depending on your medical condition, your care may be provided by one of our trained medical professionals or a team of specialists on a part-time, intermittent, hourly or shift basis. Our staff includes registered and licensed practical nurses, therapists, social workers, dietitians and home care aides.

Q: What kinds of services are provided?

A: Licensed home care organizations like LHC Group provide a wide range of services. This includes cardiac and respiratory monitoring, catheter and tube care, diabetes management, wound care, in-home therapy, rehabilitation and pain management as well as others.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for home care services?

A: Medicare has established guidelines to help patients determine if they qualify for home care services. Whether you are over 65 years of age or not, Medicare’s coverage guidelines can be helpful to determine if you are eligible for home care services. In general, a patient who needs home care services would be:

• Unable to leave home without a considerable and tiring effort;
• Under the care of a physician;
• Receiving services under a plan of care prescribed by their physician and periodically reviewed for progress;
• In need of skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis, physical therapy or speech-language pathology, or has a continuing need for occupational therapy.

Find out more: If you have more specific questions than those listed here, we suggest that you speak with your physician.