What are In-Home Health Services?

In-home health care can help a person who needs skilled nursing, physical or occupational therapy or other medical home healthcare services because of an illness or injury. It also helps people manage long-lasting (chronic) conditions like diabetes, by testing blood sugar or giving insulin through a pump. Dietitians can visit homes to provide dietary assessments and help people make healthy food choices. Lab tests and X-rays can be done at home. Medicine and medical equipment can be delivered to a patient’s home.

Personal Care Assistance can teach their clients to manage their condition or symptoms by teaching them how to take their medications and when. They can also teach their clients to eat well and exercise, which may help improve their quality of life. Therapists can offer physical, occupational and speech therapy to help their clients regain strength and independence as well as improve their ability to communicate and think clearly.

How to Pay for In-Home Health Services

Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance often pay for in-home healthcare. If a person is on a Medicare Advantage plan or other Medicare health plan, they should check with their plan to find out more about how home healthcare works with them. Home Health Care is generally considered medical in nature and must be prescribed by a health professional, so it is usually paid for through Medicare or by private insurance like long-term care or veterans’ benefits. However, In-Home Care is not typically covered by these sources and is generally paid for directly or through long-term care insurance or a personal retirement account.