Home health care agencies allow many Washington, D.C., residents to remain in their own homes instead of moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They also allow some patients to return home from hospitals sooner after an illness or injury. Home health care agencies serve elderly and disabled patients as well as those recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Some agencies, like Life Matters, provide specialized services for patients with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Services Offered
Home health care agencies in Washington, D.C., offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of a variety of patients. Services include skilled nursing care, personal care, homemaking services, companion services, physical therapy, occupational therapy and social services. Agencies usually offer an assessment to evaluate potential patients and help them determine the best services to meet their needs.
Medical Services
Home health agencies such as Life Matters and Capitol City Nurses provide services that include skilled nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Registered nurses and other health care professionals provide services such as intravenous drug administration, wound care, ventilator care, ostomy care and the administration and monitoring of oxygen and various prescription medications.
Personal Care Services
Home health agencies such as Life Matters and Legacy Home Care offer personal care services. Home health aides or certified nursing assistants provide assistance with everyday needs, such as bathing, dressing, hair care, skin care, nail care and shaving. They also help patients with ambulation issues, including transferring from bed to wheelchair, assist with range of motion exercise and remind patients to take medications as prescribed. They may also tidy the patient's bedside area and change bed linens.
Homemaker Services
Home health agencies such as Care for You, Inc. and Legacy Home Care offer homemaker services. Homemakers perform tasks such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, laundry and meal preparation. These services allow patients to remain in their own homes even when they are not able to do housework themselves.
Payment
Medicare and Medicaid both pay for home health care in Washington, D.C., when it is medically necessary. Many health insurance policies also cover some home health services, but coverage varies from policy to policy. Home health care agencies will usually help you explore your options for payment for services you need.
Finding Home Health Care
If you or a loved one need home health care in Washington, D.C., check with your insurance provider to find out which home health agencies are covered by your plan. You can also ask your doctor or a social worker at a hospital for a referral.
