Quality care is delivered in the home. When your loved one’s needs begin to change and evolve, they deserve extra love, care, and attention. Thanks to home health care, many services can now be delivered in the comfort of their own home rather than in a hospital or assisted living center. With home health care, you can help create a quality of life for your loved one, empowering the confidence, convenience, and comfort of their care today, tomorrow, and in the months to come. Choosing a Home Health Care Provider There are two main routes you can take in home health care: Medicare Nursing and Private Nursing Care. Let’s define each method to determine which is best for your loved one. What is Medicare Nursing? Medicare nursing is a type of limited care covered by Medicare. Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program serving qualifying seniors ages 65+ and other eligible individuals with disabilities. Medicare nursing typically supports short-term care over long-term care solutions. The type, length, and scope of care the patient qualifies for depends on their doctor’s approval and Medicare regulations. To receive Medicare nursing services, you must work with a Medicare-certified home health care agency. What is Private Nursing Care? Private nursing care is for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need specialized assistance in the home. Private nursing care is paid for privately instead of through Medicare. As a result, private duty nursing care is personalized and flexible to provide for the patient’s individual needs. Private duty home care patients can receive as much support as they need, whether short-term or long-term. Differences Between Medicare Nursing and Private Duty Nursing Care While both types of care can be beneficial, there are some key differences to be aware of, particularly regarding pricing, services, and the overall structure of care: Medicare Nursing in Home Health Care Payment Methods Does Medicare pay for home health nursing? Yes, to an extent. Medicare pays for the services your Medicare-certified home health agency provides during a 30-day period. Patients can qualify for more than one 30-day period, depending on their eligibility. Application Process To qualify for Medicare home health benefits, you must meet each of the following criteria:
Types of Services Medicare only covers part-time or “intermittent” skilled nursing care. Intermittent care can only be less than 8 hours daily and fewer than 28 hours weekly. You can receive this care for as long as you remain eligible and your doctor verifies you need it. Overall, Medicare nursing services can include:
Medicare nursing does not cover the following services:
Private Nursing Care Payment Methods Private duty home care is private-pay, meaning you have control over the services, timeframes, and care methods. Private duty home care is typically covered by a combination of long-term care insurance, private medical insurance, the patient, or the patient’s family. One of the main differences between Medicare and private duty home care is that Medicare only pays for skills-based visits. This means a nurse will visit the patient’s home and check their vitals for a quick visit. Unlike private duty home care, Medicare is intended as a temporary service until nurses teach these same skills to the family or the patient gets better. Application Process With private duty home care, you will still need to be pre-approved by a doctor but you are not limited to the number of hours needed with a nurse for services. When you partner with a home health care agency, they will help match your loved one with the right services and plan based on their unique needs. Types of Services Private duty nursing care is indefinite and tailored to the patient’s medical and day-to-day needs. It can be offered either short-term or long-term and typically provides specialized nurses and professionals to deliver quality in-home care. Even if a nurse is scheduled with a patient for four hours, they will deliver comprehensive, customized services. During that time, they can provide expert wound care, medication management, or simple oversight, to mention a few. At Home Health Companions, our licensed nurses provide personalized one-on-one medical care for our patients, including general and specialized services such as:
Having flexible, diverse care options is essential, especially if your loved one needs specialized care and skills not paid for by a Medicare home health nurse. Key Differences Between Medicare Nursing and Private Duty Nursing Care In summary:
Find the Best Private Duty Nursing Home Health Care for Your Loved One in Dallas/Ft. Worth At Home Health Companions, we are on a mission to help you find the best care possible for your loved ones. With a team of exceptionally skilled nurses and caregivers, we are honored to create customized care options for your family members and their unique needs. Give us a call today at 214-295-8213 to learn more about our 24/7 private duty nursing care services. Together, we can provide the support and specialized care your loved one deserves in the comfort of their own home. |