“My therapist was kind, gentle, soft–spoken and ever encouraging — a seldom found ability to have the professional skills and the compassion to deliver the best care.”
Former Baptist Health Home Health patientFrequently Asked Questions
What is Home Health Care?
In many cases, it is the extension of care you receive in a hospital or rehabilitation facility. After discharge to your home, we provide skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, home health aides, and medical social work if you need it. Our staff come to your home as often as your physician orders.
In some situations, you may already be at home and your physician believes you need one or more of our services to keep you out of the hospital or to monitor your progress. We provide the same services in these circumstances as we do when you discharge from the hospital.
Traditional home health care is sending qualified medical professionals to your home with clear goals and a program designed just for you. Once your goals are met and the program completed, you will be discharged.
When Are Visits Made?
Most visits are made during the week, during the day. However, if your healthcare needs require visits in the evenings or on weekends, we will provide them. We have staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Is Home Health Right For Me?
It is always a good idea to discuss the home health option with your physician. We are able to provide a surprising number of services in a home setting. (For example, visit our Telehealth page and learn more about the latest technology being used in the home).
Who Decides Which Home Health Agency I Use?
By federal law, you do! It is your choice which agency provides home care services. While your physician, a nurse, a friend or someone else may suggest an agency, YOU make the final decision. It is a right guaranteed to you by the law.
How Should I Decide Which Agency to Use?
Compare the agencies that are available in your community for the quality of the services they provide. This information is available on the Medicare website (www.medicare.gov).
Pay special attention to the most objective measures of home care reported on the website:
- How many of their patients needed urgent, unplanned medical care?
- How many of their patients had to be rehospitalized during their home care?
- How many of their patients were able to stay at home after they were discharged from the home care agency?
These three outcomes indicate which home health agencies are most successful in helping their patients stay at home and maintain their independence. For more information on where Baptist Health Home Health ranks please visit Compare our Care page.