Home Health Care, otherwise known as in home care is the care provided to residents of the house by trained and experienced caregivers. There are a number of different types of services which can be covered under this category of care. This care usually takes the form of custodial care or therapy, and may also include help with personal hygiene, wound care, and medication management. These services are usually offered by private home health care agencies, or by agencies that contract with home health care facilities for the care of their residents. The services which are covered under a home health care service agreement are usually referred to as in home services.
There are a number of factors which need to be considered when deciding what services to offer. These include budgeting, training requirements, and services which can be provided by the facility itself, or by a contracted caregiver. Service agreements may specify that a facility has priority rights to the services or may specify that a contracted caregiver has priority for services, or both. The services which are covered under a home health care service agreement may vary from a home health aide to home health aide. However, most agreements do allow for at least some basic services such as cleaning, light housekeeping, meal preparation assistance, and similar services.
One of the biggest decisions you will face in entering the home health care business is deciding what type of a facility to set up. You will need to decide whether you will offer a residence or an assisted living facility. If you are opening your own home health care facility, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. For example, are you planning to hire employees, or do you plan to provide the care for the elderly independently? In addition, do you plan to provide personalized services, or do you know what your clients want?
In addition to deciding on a location and what services you will provide, you will also have to consider how you will bill your clients for their services. Billing methods vary widely, so you will want to carefully match your services to your clients’ needs. Many home health care agencies prefer to bill by the day, but others prefer to bill according to the level of care each person receives. Also, some agencies may require a minimal deductible for their services, while others allow a full deductible for their services whichever method you choose, it is important to ensure you can cover all your clients’ services, or else you may find yourself struggling financially.
How do I start a private home health care business? Other services may also be available from your agency, such as services such as grocery deliveries, transportation assistance, housekeeping services, or medical assistance (if you are providing personal care services). Depending on what services you contract with your agency, you may be able to access government programs for certain types of assistance, as well. Some examples include Medicaid and Medicare, which may be available to the family member you are caring for, if you do not have coverage through your own private insurance. Home care agencies may also participate in charity programs for needy families.
If you do not need these additional services, it may be possible to provide basic care to your family member on your own. Basic services are often the most effective way to help your loved one remain as comfortable as possible while taking care of him or her. A walker may be an option for someone who has difficulty walking, or a caregiver can help with errands or light housework. These services may be provided at home, or you can hire a caregiver to come to the home to assist during times that your family member cannot perform these tasks alone. Providing consistent basic care can go a long way in easing symptoms, and slowing the progression of any disease or condition. Once you have established a good relationship with your chosen care provider, you will be able to ask more specific questions about the type of assistance you may need, allowing you to address any concerns your doctor has before your first appointment.