Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do I obtain home care services?
Medicare home health care requires that the client is homebound, has a recent illness or injury that requires skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis or physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy, that care is provided on an intermittent basis for a short period of time and the client is under the care of a doctor who is ordering home care. Private Insurance plan requirements vary. More information is available by contacting the Agency Intake Coordinator at (603) 444-5317.
What does "Homebound" mean?
This means that due to your illness or injury it takes a considerable taxing effort for you to leave your home and your absences are infrequent or of a relatively short duration. You can still be considered homebound if you leave home to attend a religious service, to receive health care treatment, including regular absences to participate in therapeutic, psychosocial or medical treatment in a state licensed/certified/or accredited adult day-care program, or to attend unique or infrequent special events (family reunion, funeral, graduation, etc.). If you are able to drive, then you probably do not meet the homebound requirement.
If I don't have medical insurance, can I still receive services?
Yes. With your Doctors referral, a staff of professionals will assist you to determine your eligibility within our existing programs. If you do not qualify, payment arrangement can be prearranged with our Finance Director or Billing Staff to help meet your needs.
What services do Agency Nursing Assistants provide?
Assistance with: personal care, including bath or shower, skin, mouth and nail care; elimination; dressing or undressing; transfers; ambulation; prescribed PT or OT exercise plan; monitors vital signs, temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight as needed.
What services do Agency Homemakers provide?
Light housekeeping (does not include climbing or heavy lifting and is limited to the inside of the home), dishwashing, shopping, client's personal laundry, errands and making and changing beds.
Can an Agency employee provide me with transportation?
No. Agency policy does not allow an employee to transport a client.
How do I obtain Hospice services?
The Medicare Hospice Benefit requires that the client's physician has determined that patient prognosis is 6 months or less, client and family choose palliative care which focuses on comfort and symptom management rather than curative care, client has a primary caregiver that will assist with client care, patient, family and physician agree to admission to the hospice program.
What services are available under the Hospice Program?
The Medicare Hospice Benefit includes nursing services on an intermittent basis with 24 hours on call support, medications for pain relief and symptom management, Hospice Nurses Aides, Homemaking services, Medical Social Work, Pastoral care and counseling, Volunteer support, medical supplies and equipment, short term hospitalization and in-patient respite care. Private Insurance Hospice Benefits are often similar to the Medicare Benefit. Some co-pays and deductibles may apply. Benefits vary according to individual insurance plans. More information is available by contacting the Agency Hospice and Palliative Care Director at (603) 444-5317.
Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.
Will I have to change physicians if I am admitted to hospice services?
No, patients have the right to choose a primary care physician. Their physician will work with the hospice team in developing plans for care and symptom management.
