After deciding that it’s time to start home health care, and before meeting their nurse or therapist for the first time, patients and their caregivers can have a lot of questions. This basic information addresses commonly asked questions and concerns about home health care and the kind of support provided through these services.  

Patients and caregivers can feel more comfortable and

confident about the days ahead after they find out more about what to expect.

​

 

Why should I start home health care?

At BSA ComPassion, your home health care team will give you the tools and support you need to better manage your health and improve your independence, so you can continue living at home for as long as possible. You will have the encouragement and assistance you need to help reach your personal goals, like playing with your grandchildren, walking to the mailbox, or being more active in your community and family again.

​

How will my home health care team help me?

Our team consists of nurses, therapists, medical social workers, and other medical professionals, depending on the needs of each of our patients. These dedicated teams help you stay safe and independent at home by:

• Collaborating with you and your doctor to develop a personalized care plan

• Helping you and your caregivers organize and manage your medications, so you know what to take and when

• Teaching you about your disease or condition and how to handle your symptoms

• Guiding you in how to make your home environment safer, so you have less chance of falling

• Working with you to help improve your strength and balance

​

 

What will home health care cost me?

For eligible Medicare beneficiaries, there are no out-of-pocket costs for home health services. BSA ComPassion Home Care also accepts many of the Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance plans.  Contact our team before starting services to see if your insurance plan has home health benefits.  For those individuals looking for home-maker/sitter type services, please visit our Private Duty agency, BSA ComPassion At Home.

​

​

Who will be coming into my home to care for me?

Once you start home care, you will receive care from a professional health care team made up of some of the disciplines below.  Based on your physicians' home health orders your care team may include:

​

Nurses (RN or LVN)- Nurses evaluate patients’ health and environment, educate patients and caregivers on disease processes and conditions, and coordinate care among doctors, hospitals, patients, and their families.

​

Therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech)- 

Physical Therapy help patients to build strength and balance, and develop movement and transfer skills. They also assess needs for equipment, like a cane or walker.

​

Occupational therapy help teach their patients personalized adaptations for performing their daily activities more safely and independently.  This includes strategies for moving with strength and balance, environmental adjustments, and help with assisted devices.

​

Speech therapy will assist patients with motor speech disorders, swallowing difficulty, loss of language ability, and cognitive and memory conditions to improve functioning and to have a higher quality of life.

​

Medical social workers (MSW)- help patients and families cope with their health challenges by connecting them with community resources, educating on options, and facilitating discussion.

​

Dietitians- registered dietitian working with your home healthcare team will work with you to individualize the meal plan for your loved one to meet your time and food budgets and preferences for foods. 

​

Home Care Aide- trained home care aides provide personal assistance with the normal activities of daily living including areas such as bathing, personal grooming, light housekeeping, and light meal assistance.