Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home Health Care?
Home health care provides services to people recovering from an illness, surgery, or rehabilitation who may need ongoing assistance and monitoring in their home. Home care can range from a one-hour/intermittent visit to 24-hour coverage per day.

Who provides the service?
A team of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, home health aides, physical, occupational and speech therapists, medical social workers and personal care workers. Generally, a nurse will make the first visit to assess the client. The nurse will contact the patients physician with a report. A care plan will be developed by the nurse along with the client and family according to the physicians orders.

Do you perform criminal background checks on employees?
All of our employees must submit to a Criminal background check that includes annual inquiry in the national Sex offender database. Additionally, our screening process includes but not limited to: verification of licensure/certification, review of employment history and references with a personal interview.

How do I know if my services are covered?
It is always best to call your physician first. Medicare and Medicaid usually cover intermittent home care services when home care is ordered by a physician. The patient must be considered homebound and require a skilled service. Private insurance coverage varies depending on the policy and benefits. Some private insurance may require a co-payment. Home care patients that require more than intermittent services usually are not covered by insurance policies and are paid for privately.

Do I have to be hospitalized to have home health?
An individual is not required to have been hospitalized or discharged from a skilled nursing facility before they can receive home health care. Most patients are referred directly from their doctors office.

Can I just receive rehabilitative services at home?
Yes, a nurse, physical or occupational therapist can be sent to a patients home to evaluate for home safety and recommend assistive devices for a patient. Generally, the therapist, along with the physician, will develop a home exercise program to fit the patients needs.

What services does the nurse provide?
The nurse, under the direction of the physician, will assess and instruct clients/families on wound care, disease process, self injections, medication side effects, enteral nutrition (G Tube), IV therapy and other treatments or procedures needed at the patients home.

What is the difference between a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and a Home Services Worker?
A CNA works under the direction of a Nurse. A CNA is certified by the state of Maryland after Completing a training program and passing a state certification test. A CNA is trained to take vital signs and then communicate findings with the patients Nurse. Part of a CNAs duties is to assist patients with meal preparation for special diets, all personal care activities such as bathing and grooming, non-sterile dressing changes, and exercise. A Home Services Worker also called Homemakers, Personal Care Workers and Caregivers assist patients with bathing grooming, toileting, companionship, meal preparation, grocery shopping, errand services, medication reminders, exercise and light housekeeping. These services are offered by (RSAs) Residential Service Agencies. Our staff can assist patients and families in deciding what services best meet their needs.

What does the Medical Social Worker (MSW) do?
The MSW’s role is to assist the patient and their families with problems that may occur during their illness or disability. They can help with issues regarding advance directives and financial concerns that patients and families may have. The MSW can assist patient and families by contacting local community resources that may be of assistance.