FAQ
Can I get you back?
As a Medicare patient, I benefitted from home health care following surgery some time ago. I am facing another surgery in two months and would like to have you back. Is there a limit on how many times I can use your services?
No, there are no limits, as long as you meet Medicare’s qualifying criteria which must be reviewed every 60 days. Even if you have been discharged, you can be re-admitted if your physician orders services under Medicare’s guidelines. Many patients benefit from extended or intermittent care as needed. It would be our pleasure to serve you again!
How do I get started?
My mother is diabetic and lives alone on a limited income. I think she needs home health care, but I don’t know how to get started. Can you help?
We would be honored to visit your mother at her house and provide a free assessment of her needs. If she meets qualifying criteria for home health, we will contact her doctor for approval to start a home health program which will be thoughtfully designed to meet her specific needs. There are many available services, such as our Vitals Manager, a portable, easy-to-use system that permits your mother ‘s care team to monitor her vital signs, seven days a week. We look forward to talking with you and your mother about the ease and comfort of being cared for in her home. If she has Medicare, there is no cost to her. We also work with private insurance. Don’t let financial concerns keep you from exploring your options. We’ll be happy to help.
Can I have multiple providers?
My doctor recommends home health services for me because of my diabetes and respiratory problems, but I already have a caregiver who comes in to help me dress, bathe and keep house. Can I still use her and your services too?
Yes, you can. Medicaid pays for the community-based agency that helps you with personal needs. While important, these services are considered non-skilled or custodial. Your doctor wants you to have skilled nursing care which is covered under Medicare and/or Medicaid if qualifying criteria is met. We provide a variety of services, both skilled and custodial, that cover a range of needs. Let us talk with you about your options. We want to be sure you receive every service your doctor recommends.
Can you help me stay in town?
My family wants me to move closer to them because of my health problems, but I’d like to stay here where my friends and my doctor are. Could home health help me stay here?
One of the great benefits of home health care is being able to stay in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, surrounded by a lifetime of good friends. Certainly, with your permission we can keep your family informed about your status. Loved ones can also access online updates of your vital statistics daily and/or call us to speak with your nurses or therapists any day of the week. We keep families in close contact, no matter where they live.
Who can tell me how many services I need?
How many services can I have at one time and who makes those decisions?
You can have as many services as you qualify for under Medicare home health criteria. Private insurance benefits vary and often require preauthorization before treatment, as does Medicaid. You can have community-based services through Medicaid the same time as you have Medicare skilled services. We will be happy to talk with you about all your options.
Can you ease my concerns about security?
Do I have to give the home health agency a key to my house?
Actually, for safety purposes, your home health agency representatives prefer NOT to have a key to your house! Our staff will call you before arriving at your home. If you have problems getting to the door, we will work out a solution that is convenient and safe. Be assured that if we ever have any concerns about your safety, we will notify your next of kin or emergency contact immediately. Our job is looking out for you in as many ways as we can.
Do I have to go to my doctor to receive medical tests?
It’s hard for me to get to the doctor’s office for tests. Is there any way Grayson Home Health can do that in my home?
At Grayson Home Health, we offer a variety of in-home testing such as outpatient lab work and EKGs. If tests are required, we will work with you and your health care team to find a solution that makes it as easy on you as possible.
Is it possible for me to recuperate from surgery safely at home?
I’m scheduled for surgery and don’t want to recuperate at my daughter’s house. Can home health let me stay at home until I’m able to get around again?
Yes! Many of our clients simply need care for a short period of time until they regain strength from surgery or illness. Home health care is not necessarily on-going for a long period of time, although it can be if circumstances warrant. We do whatever is required to keep you as independent as possible. We know that a part of getting well is getting home. Your daughter may be interested in learning more about our Vitals Manager program which allows family members to receive information on their loved one’s health status via the internet.
What can I do when both parents need help?
My dad has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my mom is not in good physical health. I need to understand what affordable options are out there.
Grayson Home Health has a qualified social worker who can assess your financial situation and help determine whether state, county, or federal programs could assist your parents. There are often options that help those with limited resources. We will be happy to work with you to determine most cost effective decisions, which is especially important when both parents are in need of care. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the decisions you face. Call us. We’ll talk you through available choices and provide the information you need to make good decisions that are right for your family.