Home care has a unique position within the health care system because:
- Home care providers’ presence in the home allows insight into the actual needs, strengths and weaknesses of patients and their support systems;
- Emphasis is placed on providing care, encouraging patient and family involvement, and fostering independence;
- When an acute episode of care requires hospitalization, home care serves as the intervention before hospitalization, and the care following;
- Hospice care allows terminally ill patients to receive needed care in the comfort of their own homes;
- Home care commonly interfaces with other health care entities, such as outpatient services, residential care facilities, skilled nursing facilities; and
- By nature of their commitment to home-based care, home care providers support community involvement, including referrals to supportive agencies to maintain the patients at home.
Who Pays for Home Care Services?
- Medicare
- Medicaid / Oregon Medical Assistance Plan
- Managed Care Organizations
- Private Insurance
- Private Payers
Home Care Services Can Be Offered by Many Individuals:
Physicians, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practicing Nurses, Psychiatric Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Enterostomal Therapists, Speech / Language Pathologists, Medical Social Workers, Registered Dietitians, Certified Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants and Homemaker / Companions.
Home Care Equipment / Supplies Can Include:
Oxygen-respiratory equipment; Infusion therapy equipment; Monitoring devices; Assistive devices; Emergency response devices; Home medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers; Rehabilitation equipment and various other Medical supplies.
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