5 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Finding in-home health care providers is a matter of circumstance. What I mean by this is there are a number of variables to consider. First of which is, does your medical plan pay for in-home health care? If they do, how much will they pay? Is there a co-pay for this service? What is the length of time that they will pay for in-home health care? Generally most medical plans only pay for in-home health care for a given length of time after a patient has been discharged from a medical facility. They do not pay for extended in-home health care leaving you with the burden if care is needed beyond what they deem as standard practice.

If you are without a medical plan then you may want to consider getting aid from a state funded agency if you qualify. If you are in a situation where you have income and are above the level where a state funded agency would provide for in-home health care then your only alternative is seeking a private agency or possibly finding family members that would volunteer to help. Some communities offer a visiting nurse as an extension of the department of health. But, this is usually on an infrequent visiting schedule. However, this can be used in conjunction with non-medically trained volunteers providing the major portion or the required care.

Dependent upon the reason making long term in-home health care a necessity you may find a charitable organization that will assist in either providing or finding in-home health care. This will require research on your part and services available will vary from region to region. Another consideration may be volunteers from your church, synagogue or other religious affiliation which may have a program which provides some in-home health care on a no charge basis. Usually the services they offer are assistance with meals, personal care and the presence of an able bodied person.

In-home health care providers for profit organizations usually work with insurance companies but will consider private pay situations. You will need to be upfront and tell them the situation is private pay by you. They will usually give you a "private pay" rate which is lower than the customary rate. However, this may require an upfront financial commitment such as a sum of money on account that they can draw against for the services provided.

In a situation where none of the previously mentioned situations are viable then a placement of an ad in a local newspaper may find someone who is willing to help provide in-home heath care. However, I would demand references and verify their accuracy. This person will be caring for a loved one and would have full access to the home and its contents.

Depending on the amount and length of in-home health care that is required you may have to improvise and customize by drawing on multiple sources of in-home health care organizations. In doing so it may be possible to provide the coverage that is necessary to ensure proper care of the patient and give the person responsible for overseeing the welfare of a loved one a little peace of mind.

Learn more about this author, Richard Bramante.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to find in-home health care providers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!