When it comes to determining the right level of care for you or your loved one, there is rarely an easy way to do it. The decision itself is often fraught with feelings and can be complicated by the unique circumstances every family brings to the table when considering questions of this nature. However, knowledge is power, as they say, and LivWell Seniors is happy to help with a high-level introduction to the basics that will leave you feeling prepared to take whatever step is next in the journey ahead.

When specific, skilled clinical services are needed, home health care might be the best possible option to meet your needs. Requiring a written order from a doctor or physical therapist, home health care services are often provided after an acute medical situation like a fall or a stroke.

What?

Skilled level services that can be obtained with a written order from a doctor or physical therapist. This level of service is often appropriate after a hospital stay or any acute incident, like a fall, but may also be utilized when there is progression of a disease like Alzheimer’s. These are outpatient physical and occupational therapies offered intermittently and geared toward strengthening and improving the physical capacity of a person who has experienced a decline in a particular area.

Some examples of available therapies include:

• Wound care
• Intravenous therapy
• Injections
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Monitoring serious illness

Who?

Anyone who has experienced a decline in a particular area and who can be supported through the available therapies.

Consider This Scenario

Ken recently suffered a stroke, leaving the left side of his body weakened. His wife, Mary, can help him with his activities of daily living, but she needs the assistance of medical professionals to help rehabilitate his weakness. Three days a week a physical therapist comes to his home to walk Ken through the exercises that will help him regain strength on the affected side of his body.

Cost

Covered by insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid.