AskTheExpert_AbetLife_HomeHealthCare
What is home health care and when is it needed?
Home health is exactly what it sounds like, providing medical care in a patient's home. A licensed physician (Primary care physician in most cases) issues a home health order after assessing the patient and determines that the patient is in need of skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Home health care is issued by a physician, when the patient can no longer drive or have access to transportation to get outpatient services. Essentially the patient is homebound and needs these services to recover post hospitalization, surgery, stay at nursing or rehab facility, experienced a fall, identified as a high fall risk, wound care, etc.
Who decides what services I get? Is my doctor involved?
When a physician orders home health, a home health nurse will schedule an admission at the patient's home. A home health nurse will assess the needs of the patient based on doctor's orders, medical history and physical, emotional, and mental needs. Skilled nursing and education is an essential part of home health. A home health nurse will develop a plan of care that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The plan of care is developed in coordination with the patient's primary care doctor. Home health staff keeps the patient's doctor updated on the progress. It is important for the patient, doctor, and home health agency to work together.
Explain the difference between occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT).
Occupational therapy treats the upper part of the body from the waist up and focuses on the activities of daily living as well. Physical therapy treats the lower part of the body from the waist down and movement of the body based on the patient's needs.
About the Expert
Taking a passionate approach to providing quality home health care, AbetLife, Inc. coordinates with the client’s physician in the development of personalized care plans. These care plans outline the goals, interventions, scheduled evaluations and other significant aspects of the individual’s health management or recovery.
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