Home health care in Illinois is the option of choice for seniors who can take care of themselves and live independent lives, but who still require some medical supervision or assistance. Some of the assistance which home healthcare services provide include nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Supervision and administration of medications is often given. Sometimes assistance is provided with meals, dressing, bathing, and housekeeping. The difference between home care services and home health care is that the former relates more to housekeeping, cooking, etc., whereas care health home Illinois relates more to medical and nursing care, for patients who are recovering from medical problems but who do not require permanent medical supervision.

Home health care costs vary depending upon the location, the specific type of health care worker and the extent of services needed. Public and private financial assistance programs are often available, principally Medicare and Medicaid, the Veterans' Administration, the Older Americans Act, and private insurance companies. Home health care can be paid for by the Medicare program if the following conditions are all met: the patient must under a doctor's care and confined to home; the patient requires regular - but not continual - nursing care or physical or occupational therapy; the patient must fulfill the requirements of Medicare; and the home health care agency must be a certified Medicare provider.

How do you choose the right program for you or your loved one? Ask your friends, doctor, or local agency for the elderly for recommendations and suggestions. Take into consideration also how long an agency has been in business; whether it is approved by Medicare; is it accredited by e.g. the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; is it licensed; are the responsibilities of the agency and the rights of patients clearly enumerated; is each patient provided with an individual health care plan which is frequently updated as the patient's situation changes; is emergency medical assistance available 24 / 7; what financial assistance is available; will the agency provide a list of recent references?

The consumer should also consider the possibility that the patient's needs might change in the future. Also, back-up personnel should be available in case the principal health care worker is unavailable. Whether a home healthcare in Illinois worker is hired from an agency or independently, the consumer should spend some time discussing exactly what the daily routine will involve. This includes specific information such as medical needs and medication schedules; dietery restrictions; exercise program; special needs and disabilities; general likes and dislikes; where to find needed items in the home; and so on.