First Steps toward Home Health Care

You'll Need Some Basic Information About Yourself
If you are just starting to learn about home health care, take a little time to get organized.

At some time in meetings and applications you might be making, it's probable that you'll need documentation to establish your identity. You'll need to know the details of any health insurance coverage you might have. If you apply for financial assistance, you will likely be asked to prove your income level.

Talk with your doctor.
You are going to need the support of your doctor if you choose home health care. If you are in the hospital, you should discuss your needs and preferences with a medical social worker (provided by the hospital) and the discharge administrator.

Talk with your doctor. You are going to need the support of your doctor if you choose home health care. If you are in the hospital, you should discuss your needs and preferences with a medical social worker (provided by the hospital) and the discharge administrator.

Identify your local help resources.
You need to know the address and phone contact for your county health department, and if they have one, the department of aging or senior care.

Locate your local Council on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, or Senior Citizens Council. In most cases, there is one for your county, although in large metro areas there could be more than one in a county. These councils help seniors learn about services and answer questions about a wide range of topics, including financial aide, insurance, and home modifications.

Set aside some time to read. We have a short list of recommendations.
There are excellent brochures and booklets, from government and professional associations, that give a good basic understanding of how home health works. Our Home Health reading list

Look up your city's directory here on our website.
Its not time to pick any particular agency, or even to start talking to one yet. But, you do want a feeling for how many and what kind of agencies are available in your area. If you are going to be using Medicare to help pay, look for Medicare certified agencies in your area.