What is home health? "Home health" refers to the skills and services of healthcare professionals, like a registered nurse or licensed therapist. These services are typically needed after a hospitalization to provide continued assistance with recovery. They may include the drawing of blood, continued intravenous antibiotics, assessing a surgical site, changing wound dressings, assistance with mobility or activities of daily living, assessing your progress, physical and occupational therapy, or providing other services that your physician has ordered for you.
How is First Choice Home Health different from the rest? First of all, we're locally owned and operated. First Choice Home Health is not a chain. Our nurses and therapists are your neighbors who care about you. We provide care 24 hours a day 7 days a week so if you need us late at night, early morning, weekends or holidays we can accommodate you. No matter how far out in Gallatin County you live, it's never too far for us. If we can help by getting you to a doctor's appointment related to the care we're providing, we'll do our best to get you there. We'll even pick up prescriptions or groceries for you on our first visit to see you. We realize you may need the extra hand after a stay in the hospital or nursing home. You’re always first with First Choice Home Health.
How often will I receive care? Healthcare professionals from a home health agency (HHA) like First Choice, will come to your home for a specific time period as ordered by your physician (for example, 2-3 times a week for 6-7 weeks). HHAs employ nurses and therapists who specialize in providing services to patients in their homes. They are required to report your status to your physician on an ongoing basis. Your physician can therefore keep up to date on your recovery progress at home.
A written plan of care is created by the HHA following your physician's orders and is coordinated with the health care professionals who are treating you. Goals are written with input by the patient and/or family and the care is coordinated with the physician.
Who pays for home health? Home health care services can be paid directly by your insurance company, including Medicare and Medicaid, or by the patient and his or her family. Home health is a less expensive and often just as effective a method of healthcare that is growing nationwide. Most patients and their families prefer to stay at home and receive care rather than be in a hospital or a nursing home. Home health staff members are also trained to educate family and caregivers on how to provide ongoing support after home health services have completed.
What will Medicare pay for? Skilled nursing and home health aide services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; medical social worker services; durable medical equipment.
What's the difference between home health care and home care services? Although they sound the same (and home health care may include some home care services), home health care is more medically oriented. While home care typically includes chore and housecleaning services, home health care usually involves helping seniors recover from an illness or injury. That is why the people who provide home health care are often licensed practical nurses, therapists, or home health aides. Most work for home health agencies, hospitals, or public health departments that are licensed by the state.
Click on the link to Services to learn exactly what we provide and how we can help you.
About Us
First Choice Home Health is on the Radio!
Listen to Norm & Genevieve Dreyer on
"Living Longer," a 40 minute segment
Thursday mornings from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
airing on KMMS 1540 AM Bozeman
and KPRK 1350 AM Livingston
"Living Longer" Covers Topics Like:
- Navigating the long term healthcare maze
- Understanding Medicare
- Health and vitality issues in baby boomers
- And so much more!
Listen Live at: KMMSAM.com
Click on link in the upper right corner of that site to listen live.
