START HERE: ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is physician-directed medical care provided in the comfort of home for illness, injury, surgery recovery, or chronic conditions.
- Skilled Nursing
- Therapy Services
- Wound Care
- Chronic Disease Management
Does Medicare Cover Home Health?
Medicare may cover home health services when you are homebound and need skilled care that is medically necessary.
- Physician-ordered
- Skilled care required
- Provided by a Medicare-certified agency
What’s the Difference:
Home Health vs. Home Care?
| Home Health Care | Home Care Services |
|---|---|
| Medicare-Covered | Typically private pay |
| Skilled Medical Care | Non-medical Support |
| Nurses & Therapists | Caregivers |
| Physician-Ordered | Flexible assistance |
| Short-term Recovery | Long-term support |
Need help with personal care or daily activities?
Visit our sister agency Homestead Home Care Agency for non-medical support services.
EXPLORE HOME CARE SERVICESMEDICARE & INSURANCE EDUCATION
Home Health Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Therapy services (PT, OT, ST)
- Wound care
- Chronic disease monitoring
- Medical social services
- Home health aide (limited)
Medicare Usually Does Not Cover
- 24-hour custodial care
- Long-term personal care
- Homemaking-only services
- Meals or groceries
- Transportation
Common Medicare Questions
How long does Medicare cover home health?
Medicare covers eligible home health services for as long as they are medically necessary and you continue to meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements. Your care is reviewed regularly to ensure the services remain appropriate for your condition.
Can therapy be provided at home?
Yes. Medicare may cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services provided in your home when they are prescribed by your healthcare provider and considered medically necessary as part of your home health plan of care.
Does Medicare cover wound care?
Yes. Medicare may cover skilled wound care provided by qualified healthcare professionals when it is medically necessary. This can include wound assessment, dressing changes, infection monitoring, and education to help promote healing.
ILLINOIS SENIOR PROGRAMS
Illinois Area Agencies on Aging
Click a region on the map to find local resources and services.
CONDITIONS & CARE GUIDES
Heart Failure (CHF)
Watch for:
- Swelling
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
COPD & RESPIRATORY
Home Safety Tips:
- Oxygen safety
- Avoid smoke
- Monitor symptoms
- Follow meds
DIABETES MANAGEMENT
Helpful Tips:
- Monitor blood sugar
- Prevent foot wounds
- Stay hydrated
- Follow meal plan
FALL PREVENTION
Reduce Fall Risk:
- Remove loose rugs
- Install grab bars
- Improve lighting
- Wear supportive shoes
WOUND CARE
Get Help If You See:
- Increased drainage
- Redness or swelling
- odor
- Fever or pain
CAREGIVER SUPPORT CENTER
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
- Exhaustion
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Sleep disruption
Helpful Caregiver Tips
- Ask for
help early - Use respite
care - Create a
routine - Keep lists
organized - Join support
groups
SENIOR SAFETY AT HOME
Home Safety Checklist
- Remove tripping hazards
- Add bathroom grab bars
- Improve hallway lighting
- Use medication organizers
- Keep emergency numbers visible
TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
Transportation challenges can delay important medical care and recovery.
Homestead Care Ride Provides:
- Wheelchair-accessible transportation
- Ambulatory transportation
- Medical appointment transport
- Dialysis transportation
- Senior transportation
HELPFUL GUIDES FOR FAMILIES
Signs a Parent May Need Help at Home
Learn the early warning signs to watch for.
Preparing for Hospital Discharge
How to plan for a smooth transition home.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Home Health
Important questions to ask any provider.
Understanding Wound Care at Home
What to expect and how to support healing.
Managing Medications Safely
Tips to help prevent medication errors.
When to Consider Additional Care Support
How to know when more help may be needed.