Who needs elderly home health care?
Persons needing home care are often referred for services after hospitalization, although prior hospitalization is not a requirement. Typically, the treatment team of a physician, nurse, social worker, case manager, or discharge planner decides that home care services will speed discharge, facilitate recuperation, or prevent nursing home admission. Evaluation for home care should be comprehensive, including assessment of functional ability, mental status, psychosocial needs, nutritional status, and medication use and compliance. In addition, the patient’s home environment, family participation, and community resources must be considered. The home health agency develops a preliminary care plan from information provided by hospital staff or obtained during a visit with the patient. This plan and orders for care are then given to the physician for signature. Without a physician’s signed order, the agency cannot provide services unless it is private pay for homemaker or companion services.
