Frequently Asked Questions
What is home care?
Home care is a broad range of professional health care and support services provided primarily in peoples' homes. Individuals who are recovering from an illness or accident, disabled, chronically or terminally ill most often use these services. Additionally, people who are physically well but need a helping hand to remain safe in their home may benefit from our menu of non-medical personal care services.
What services do you offer?
- Skilled Medical Care (nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy, wound care, IV therapy etc.)
- Personal Care (light housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, errands etc.)
- Hospice Care (helping patients and families through the complex issues faced at end-of-life).
- Community based programs including blood pressure clinics, immunizations, health fairs, educational events and support groups.
Is home care only for the elderly?
Not at all. People of all ages can receive home health care services. Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice provides care from birth to end-of life!
Will my insurance cover home care?
If the care is medically necessary and the patient meets certain coverage requirements, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans will usually pay for home health care services. The payer(s) for these services typically determines what type of care is covered and who qualifies. In most cases, medical orders from a physician are required for care. For services that are not covered by insurance, patients may choose to pay out of pocket for care.
Does a person need to be confined to their home in order to qualify for home care?
In order to be eligible under Medicare, leaving home would require a considerable and taxing effort. If a person requires crutches, a cane, wheelchair or walker to leave their place of residence, that would be considered a taxing effort. Personal Care services do not require a person to be home-bound but generally are delivered on a private pay basis.
I thought hospice was only for people who were "near death"?
This is a common misperception. Actually, hospice care is recommended when a patient’s life expectancy is 6 months or less, not a week or less as many people believe. In fact, the two comments the hospice team hears most often are "I wish we would have called you sooner," and "I wish we would have been referred sooner."
Can I receive hospice care if I live in a nursing home?
Absolutely. You may receive hospice care wherever you call home – a private home, an assisted living facility, a nursing home, or the hospital.
Who pays for hospice care?
For Medicare beneficiaries, there is no out-of-pocket, deductible or co-pays. For other insurances, you need to refer to your explanation of benefits to determine your financial responsibility. If you need help understanding your hospice benefits, VNA staff can help.
Can I choose which agency provides my home care services?
Absolutely. In fact, it is your patient right to choose. If the name of a particular home health provider is not given to you when, for instance, you are discharged from the hospital, you can (and should) request the agency you prefer.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
E-mail us at: info@lakesunapeevna.org
Call us at: 603.526.4077 and ask for "Care Support"
Phone: 603-526-4077