Home Care Consumer Information
General Documents
- Code of Ethics
- Philosophy of Patient Care
- Statement of Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- Standards of Practice
Consumer Frequently Asked Questions
- What is home care?
- Who can benefit from home care?
- Who provides home care?
- Who pays for home care services?
- How do I find home care services?
- How do I select the right agency?
- What if a problem develops?
Home care encompasses a wide range of health and social services available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Services may include:
- Nursing
- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
- Home Medical Equipment
- Personal Care
- Housekeeping
- Infusion and Respiratory Therapy
- Respite
- Hospice
- Mobile Diagnostic
- Counseling
You may benefit from home care services if you or a loved one are:
- Recovering from recent illness
- Discharged from a hospital or nursing home, but need additional care
- Terminally ill and want to die with dignity in the comfort of your own home
- In need of assistance to live independently at home
It can be for anyone – individuals and families of all ages who are challenged by a variety of health and social problems such as short or long term illness, injury, physical impairments, mental health disorders and chemical dependencies. Generally, home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay home, but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. More and more people, electing to live independent lives, are taking advantage of home care services as their physical capabilities diminish or they become terminally ill. Younger adults with disabilities or those recuperating from acute illness are choosing home care whenever possible. Chronically ill infants and children are benefiting from sophisticated medical treatment in their loving and secure home environments. Thanks to the success of modern technology, yielding state-of-the-art medical equipment for use in the home and the technicians who are trained to operate such equipment, an increasing number of people are able to leave institutions or avoid ever having to enter them. They can be cared for safely and effectively in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by the ones they love.
MHHA Members Many services can be part of the home care team, depending on your individual needs. One or more of the following types of providers may be beneficial to you:
- Certified Home Health
- Provides professional and paraprofessional services which meet federal requirements, such as nursing, home health aides, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.
- National Association of Home Care (NAHC)
- Private Duty Home Health
- Provides services which are desired and purchased by the individual, such as nursing care, personal care or housekeeping services
- National Private Duty Association (NPDA)
- Home Medical Equipment
- Provides equipment and supplies, such as beds, wheelchairs, oxygen, wound care, diabetic and ostomy.
- American Association for Homecare (AAH)
- Hospice
- Provides a team of health care professionals and volunteers who offer comprehensive physical, psychosocial and spiritual care for patients and their families at the end of life. Quality of life is enhanced by relief of pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
- National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
- Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (MHPCO)
- Mobile Diagnostic
- Provides x-ray, ultrasound, heart studies and laboratory services in the home.
- Infusion Therapy
- Provides services and medication, such as intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Payment for services may be through Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance plans. Home care may also be paid directly by the patient or the patient’s family
Once you acquire the names of several agencies, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations. You may wish to talk with your doctor or friends regarding their experience with home care services. The following are some questions to ask home care providers and community leaders. Their insight will help you determine which agency is best for you or your loved one.
- How long has the agency been serving the local community?
-
- Is the agency certified by Medicare?
- A Medicare-certified home care agency is one that has met federal minimum requirements for patient care and financial management and therefore can provide Medicare and some Medicaid home health services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) has more quality measures and other information to help you make decisions about certified Medicare and Medicaid services at CMS Home Health Comapare Keep in mind that an agency decision not to become certified does not imply that it provides poor care. In many cases, these agencies adhere to their own set of standards. It is imperative that you consider all the circumstances surrounding an agency’s home care services before making a final decision. For more information on Publicly Recorded Measures visit MPRO's Website.
-
- Is the agency accredited?
- Accreditation is a voluntary process conducted by nonprofit professional organizations. It signifies that the agency has met national industry standards. Agencies may be accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or the Accreditation Commission for Home Care (ACHC).
-
- Does the agency provide literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees and funding sources?
- Individual agencies may provide specific information about themselves. Many providers supply patients with a detailed “Patient’s Bill of Rights” that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers alike.
-
- How does the agency select and train its employees?
- Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies and malpractice insurance? Does it check references and criminal records on new employees?
-
- Are the agency’s nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs?
- If so, what does this entail? Are the patient’s physicians and family members consulted?
-
- Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver?
- Is a copy of this plan given to the patient and his/her family member and updated as changes occur?
-
- Does the agency assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes?
- Whom can you call with questions or concerns? How are problems followed up and resolved?
- Does the agency take time to educate family members on the type of care that is being provided?
-
- What are the agency’s financial procedures?
- Does it provide written statements that explain all the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?
-
- What procedures are in place to handle emergencies?
- Are the agency’s caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
- How does the provider ensure patient confidentiality?
If you invest some time and follow the steps outlined above, you most likely will receive high quality home care that is safe and effective. If a problem develops, you should first contact the home care agency’s clinical supervisor or administrator. If the problem cannot be resolved or you would like to issue a complaint, notify the Michigan Complaint Hotline at 1-800-882-6006 for Medicare certified home care and hospice. Otherwise, contact the Better Business Bureau in your local community.
|
