Arkansas provides a variety of different options to low-income individuals for in-home health care services. Illness, injuries, age and disabilities can occur that lead an individual to require in-home health services. Elderly and sick individuals thrive, and recover better, when they can be surrounded by the comforts of familiar people, places and things. In-home health care services make this possible.
Identification
Whether dealing with serious health concerns or minor medical issues, low-income Arkansas residents can get help in their homes from qualified health professionals. In-home health care consists of a number of different services and is not limited to any specific age. Senior citizens are the most common recipients of in-home health care, especially those suffering from dementia and different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Arkansas in-home service providers regularly assist with both nonmedical and medical-related issues.
Facts
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, the department operates 74 locations that "...provide nursing, therapy, social work and nursing assistant care for several thousand patients in their home each day..." Services are targeted to a variety of individuals and situations. This state-operated department assists a wide range of low-income patients who require help, ranging from individuals with specific illnesses and diseases to new mothers seeking help with pregnancy, breastfeeding and other related issues.
Types
In addition to public in-home health care services provided by the state, services are offered by private entities. Homewatch Caregivers is located in northwest Arkansas. By its definition, it is "...a private duty home care company... well known for our exceptional care, diversified services and qualified compassionate caregivers." Care Pathways is another company devoted to helping people get affordable in-home health care. Its comprehensive list of 188 home care agencies in Arkansas focuses on different types of in-home health services. Most providers on its list accept Medicare and Medicaid, two common forms of payment for low-income individuals.
Features
The features offered by in-home health providers are as diverse as the types of services required. Home Watch Caregivers provides seniors and fragile individuals with assistance with meals, bathing and grooming, housekeeping and reminders about medication. It also offers special Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis care. The Arkansas Department of Health makes sure patients have the proper supplies necessary for care at home, including catheters, dressings, bandages and IV supplies.
Benefits
The Arkansas Department of Health assigns a nurse who acts as a case manager. This person is responsible for helping patients get the specific services ordered by the patient's physician. She can also help those in need to find resources and options related to any fees or health coverage issues. Three additional in-home health care providers are Care Network of Little Rock, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Integrity Home Health, in Texarkana, Arkansas, and Mercy Home Care in Fort Smith, Arkansas. All three agencies accept Medicare.
