Selecting home
health care:
Know your options
The information Medicare provides on its Home Health Compare Web site can help you choose a home health agency. But it’s just one way to find information.Quality of care can differ among health care agencies. You should learn as much as you can about the agencies in your area before you choose.
To make the best decision, talk to your family, health care provider, hospital discharge planner or social worker. Friends and neighbors may know about agencies in your area. You can also talk to organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging, or look in your telephone directory in the Yellow Pages under “home care” or “home health care.”
Call agencies and ask questions about their services. Medicare may not pay for some of these services. Ask whether the agency:
- Offers the specific services you need, such as nursing or therapy
- Has staff available to provide the hours of care your doctor ordered, and can start when you need them
- Can meet your special needs, such as language or cultural preferences
- Can help you arrange for additional services, such as Meals on Wheels
- Offers the personal care services you need, such as help bathing or dressing
- Offers the support services you need, such as help with laundry, cooking or shopping
- Has staff available at night and on weekends for emergencies
- Is Medicare-certified
- Will explain what your insurance covers, and what you must pay
- Does staff background checks
- Has letters from satisfied
patients, family members and doctors