Frequently Asked Questions

Home Health care FAQs

Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital or other institutional care. Service is based on the individual’s need as defined by his or her physician’s plan of care and may range from 24-hour-a-day care to monthly visits from skilled nurses, therapists, social workers and/or home health aides.
 
Q: What are the advantages of home health care?
A: In many cases, home health care permits a person to be discharged earlier from a hospital, reduces hospital admissions, assists with a more rapid recovery. Most importantly, people are happier at home and receive more care and attention from family, friends and home health care professionals.
 
Q: Who Uses home health care?
A: People of all ages use home health care services-from senior citizens to young children. Some examples include:
•Those who are able to be discharged from a hospital or nursing home but need additional care
•Those who are terminally ill and want to live their final days with dignity surrounded by their loved ones in the comfort of their own home
•Those who have short-term health needs
•Those who need assistance, due to age or disability, to remain at home
•Those who need education about the disease process and training on how to best care for themselves.
 
Q: How does home care work?
A: An individual insurance company determines benefit eligibility and defines the conditions that qualify for service. The need for service typically arises after hospitalization or a significant change in medical condition. Care is prescribed by a physician and is generally restricted to skilled services that may include nursing; physical, occupational or speech/language therapy; medical social work; and/or home health aides to assist with personal care needs.
Where as, non-skilled services can be suggested by a physician, family member or patient.
 
Q: Who Pays for home care?
A: Home care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid and various other types of private insurances, self-pay or HMO etc.
 
Q: Why are some agency accredited?
A: Accreditation is the symbol of the highest level of quality home care. It is up to the Agency pursuing excellence as an objective delivering the best care abiding by their rules and regulations.
 
Q: What is the difference between skilled nursing and non-skilled nursing services?
A: Trinity Healthcare Services offers two types of home care services in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
• Skilled nursing services: Skilled services are provided by Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. This may include diabetic care management, wound care, medication management, ventilator care, tracheostomy care, gastrostomy tube care, etc.
• Non-Skilled services: Non-skilled services are provided by Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides. Non-skilled services include personal care, respite, homemaking, companionship, live-in/out
Senior care and personal care home services provide non-medical and private duty services that help patients remain safe and well taken care in their homes.
Trinity’s private duty professionals assist clients in maintaining their independence.
 
Q: What criteria should someone consider when choosing a homecare company?
A:
-Licensure: Before selecting a home care agency, patients and families should ensure that the company is licensed to send skilled RNs, skilled therapists and skilled social workers to a patient’s home. The family should also check to ensure the agency is also licensed to send trained home health aides, certified nursing assistants and home companions.

-Accreditation: When selecting a home care agency, patients and families should also check to be sure the company is an accredited organization. Trinity Healthcare Services is accredited by the Joint Commission which accredits more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

– Number of years providing quality home care services

– Acceptance of your health insurance

– Ability to provide adequate staffing to meet your needs
 
Q: How much do homecare services cost?
A: Each insurance has a set of price for the services requested.
 
Q: Who pays for homecare?
A: Your insurance carrier if you deemed eligible otherwise you self-pay. Patients and families are taught how to manage diets, administer treatments, manage equipment, and recognize signs and symptoms to discuss with their Trinity home health care team.