Home Care Agencies: How Do They Work?

Home care is a popular way to receive certain healthcare services today. However, home care doesn't always mean healthcare. There are a variety of services that are provided in the home. If you want home care services, but you're not sure how to start, reach out to some home care agencies or your doctor. 

What Is Home Care?

Home care is when a caregiver or nurse comes into your home to provide you with the assistance or services that you need to properly function from day to day. Home care services are great for those who are disabled or injured and have difficulties leaving the house for appointments, or for those with health issues that prohibit them from caring for themselves properly. There are a variety of services offered, though some may require documentation from your doctor in order to have your insurance cover them. 

Home Care Services

Some agencies may offer different services, including the following:

• Cleaning
• Bathing assistance
• Meal preparation
• Companionship
• Caregiver relief
• Medication management
• Wound care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

If you're unsure about which services you would need, reach out to an agency or your doctor. 

Getting Started

To get started with an agency, your insurance company or doctor will need to send a referral to a home care agency. From there, the agency will work with the insurance company and your doctor to gather all the information they need. Once they have the information they need, they will determine whether or not they can accept your referral. 

If your referral is accepted, your insurance company will provide the agency with prior authorization. This will tell the agency which services they are permitted to provide under your insurance and how often. You can then work with the agency to create a schedule for your services. 

Home Care Services Without Insurance

If you do not have insurance, do not fret, you can still partake in home care services. Most home care agencies will offer the option of private pay. Because you do not have insurance to cover some or all of the cost, the services may seem expensive. However, if you go the private pay route, you won't have a doctor or insurance company restricting the services you receive or the amount. You will have more control. 

You will be billed directly with private pay. Your home care agency may require a security deposit before beginning services through private pay. This deposit is to cover the cost of some of your services if, for some reason, you are unable to pay later on.

If you are interested in learning more about home care, contact a home health agency in your area. 

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