Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Health Care

When "Fine" Isn't Really Fine

Parents often insist they're managing well, even when they're not. As adult children, we may not see the day-to-day struggles that accumulate. Here are the signs that professional home health care might be needed.

Physical Warning Signs

Mobility Issues

• Difficulty getting up from chairs
• Unsteady gait or shuffling walk
• Using walls or furniture for support
• Avoiding stairs
• Reluctance to leave the house

Self-Care Decline

• Weight loss or gain
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing same clothes repeatedly
• Unkempt appearance
• Difficulty with bathing or dressing

Medical Management Problems

• Missed medications
• Confusion about medications
• Expired prescriptions not refilled
• Missed doctor appointments
• Unmanaged chronic conditions

Cognitive Warning Signs

• Confusion about time or place
• Repeating questions or stories
• Getting lost on familiar routes
• Difficulty with finances or bills
• Forgetting names of family members
• Poor decision-making

Environmental Warning Signs

Look around the home for:

• Spoiled food in refrigerator
• Burn marks on pots or counters
• Unpaid bills or collection notices
• Clutter or hoarding
• Pet care neglected
• Home maintenance ignored
• Unusual odors

Types of Home Health Services

Skilled Nursing

Registered nurses who provide:

• Medication management
• Wound care
• IV therapy
• Health monitoring
• Care coordination

Often covered by Medicare when ordered by physician.

Physical Therapy

• Strength and balance training
• Fall prevention
• Recovery from surgery or illness
• Mobility improvement

Occupational Therapy

• Daily living skills
• Home safety modifications
• Adaptive equipment training
• Cognitive exercises

Home Health Aides

• Personal care (bathing, dressing)
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Companionship
• Transportation

Usually private pay or long-term care insurance.

Getting Started with Home Health

1. Talk to the Doctor

Request an order for home health evaluation. Medicare requires a physician's order.

1. Choose an Agency

Look for:

• Medicare-certified (if using Medicare)
• Good reviews and reputation
• Services that match your needs
• Backup staffing available

1. Assessment Visit

A nurse will visit to evaluate:

• Current health status
• Medication review
• Home safety
• Care needs
• Goals of care

1. Create Care Plan

Working together, develop a plan that includes:

• Frequency of visits
• Goals and timeline
• Communication with family
• Emergency protocols

Cost and Coverage

Medicare covers home health when:

• Patient is homebound
• Skilled care is needed (nursing, PT, OT, speech)
• Care is ordered by physician
• Agency is Medicare-certified

Private pay rates:

• Home health aides: $20-$35/hour
• Skilled nursing: $75-$150/visit
• Physical therapy: $150-$300/visit

Find Quality Home Health Care

Connect with vetted home health agencies serving your area in Ohio.

Related Resources:

• Download our Care Provider Interview Checklist
• What Happens After Hospital Discharge
• Care Coordination Services