At Home Care & Health
Retirement Connection Guide • 1-800-462-1316
Home Care Definitions: Behavioral Health can include the prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support to people with addiction and mental health needs. Behavioral health may also include care for patients with memory loss and confusion, but typically includes more intensive treatment and intervention than simple redirection.
Homecare agencies provide non-medical services. Personal care may include: dressing, feeding and personal hygiene to facilitate self-care; homemaking such as housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, and transportation; or respite care to provided support to the family. The Department of Health licenses home care agencies.
Home Health Care includes skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and medical social services. A home health care agency may choose to be Medicare certified to be reimbursed for their services. Home health agencies may also teach you how to care for yourself.
In-Home Care/Personal Care is care related to activities of daily living. Care may be provided by Home Health or Homecare Agencies. These services are typically not covered by medical insurance or Medicare and do not require a physician’s order.
Intravenous Therapy is any medical treatments/medications that need to be introduced to the body via a patient’s veins. Numerous IV Therapies can be provided in-home under supervision of an MD. Some of these include: inter-infective/antibiotic therapies, hydration therapy, pain management, chemotherapy and central line care and maintenance.
Master of Social Work (MSW) is a master’s degree in the field of social work. MSWs help promote more integrated care with education and collaboration among care providers and support services.
Medicaid Certified A joint Federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid Certified facilities can offer services to individuals receiving Medicaid benefits in exchange for reimbursement from Medicaid. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (these people are called “dual eligibles”).
Medical Social Services are assistance with social and emotional concerns related to an illness including counseling or help finding community resources.
Medicare Certified facilities can offer services to individuals receiving Medicare benefits in exchange for reimbursement from Medicare. A physician’s order is required to be reimbursed by Medicare. Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for those 65 and over for those who meet other criteria.
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