How Often Will You Need A Home Health Aide?

It is important to figure out how much care you actually need. If it is a “skilled” visit via Medicare home health (RN, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy) then the Registered Nurse will make an initial visit to assess the patient and put together a care plan. The other disciplines ordered will likewise, visit, assess and put together a plan. When the goals are met, the plan is successful and care will end. Also, if each discipline believes you are at the highest level of functioning possible, care will discontinue. The schedules and visits per episode are subject to Medicare guidelines.

If you need private duty care, a home aide, to assist with personal care as well as shopping, cooking, transportation and the like  then it is up to YOU to decide how often you want the aide to visit. This depends on your needs, budget and if applicable, your Long Term Care Policy.

Keep in mind, most Home care providers and Home Health care companies have hourly minimums. Typically, it is 12 hours per week and 4 hours per visit. This is important in terms of scheduling considerations and to have a better chance of having the same aide take care of you. Check to see if there are additional charges for night time, weekend or holiday cares hours.

Consider what your needs are, what schedule makes sense for you- morning, afternoon, number of hours or even live in care. You can usually change the number of hours and schedules freely. If your need for care is temporary, you will likely decrease the hours of care as your condition improves. Make sure the Home Health care Service you choose permits these changes without any penalties. You ought to be able to determine how much care you need, can afford and is covered by your policy.

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