Health Topics for Aging

Nursing Homes/Care Centers

Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Home healthcare

Suppose you have a medical condition that is not serious enough for you to be in the hospital, but is serious enough that you need skilled help every day or every few days. In the past, your only choice might have been a stay in a nursing home until you were well enough to go home. Now, more and more insurance plans and hospitals offer home healthcare.

Home healthcare agencies usually offer skilled medical care personnel such as nurses, attendants, physical therapists, social workers, and nutritionists to care for you in your home. These agencies charge a fee for services, but typically it is much lower than fees for staying in a hospital or a nursing home.

Home healthcare services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with specific services. These include:

• part-time skilled nursing care
• speech therapy
• home infusions of medication into the veins
• physical therapy
• hospice services for the terminally ill and
• some medical supplies

Government plans usually do not cover a permanent full-time nurse, medications, meals, housecleaning, or personal care. Private insurance plans vary greatly in the kinds of services they cover for home healthcare. Check with your insurance plan to find out more information on coverage.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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