Not all agencies offering care at home qualify for Medicare coverage. The difference is federal certification.

Learn about Medicare-certified home health to understand this specialized medical care option completely.

Medicare-certified agencies meet strict federal standards for quality and safety. They employ licensed professionals. They follow protocols for care delivery, documentation, and patient outcomes. Random agencies advertising help at home don't necessarily meet these requirements.

When you choose a certified provider, you get skilled nursing from registered nurses. Physical, occupational, or speech therapy from licensed therapists. Medical social services connecting you to community resources. Home health aides assisting with personal care under nursing supervision.

This isn't someone coming to do housework and prepare meals. This is legitimate medical care delivered by healthcare professionals in your home.

Senior Care Finder shows you Medicare-certified agencies nationwide. Compare services offered, quality ratings, and patient satisfaction scores. Narrow down your options by looking at specific needs like wound care, diabetes management, or post-surgical rehabilitation.

Compare home health to nursing facilities if you're deciding whether staying home is realistic.

Speech therapy addresses swallowing difficulties, communication problems after stroke, and cognitive issues affecting daily function. For patients with Alzheimer's or dementia living at home, explore these engaging activities geared towards Alzheimer's and dementia to complement professional therapy.

Medical social services connect you to community resources, help with insurance questions, and provide emotional support for adjusting to illness or disability.

Home health aides assist with personal care like bathing, dressing, and toileting under nursing supervision. They're not independent caregivers. They're part of your medical team.

Not every agency offers every service. Narrow down by what you actually need before contacting anyone.

Explore home care (non-medical) options if you need personal assistance without medical services.

Medicare Part A or Part B covers certified agencies that meet eligibility requirements. You pay nothing for qualifying services. No copays. No deductibles.

But here's what Medicare doesn't cover: 24-hour care at home. Personal care services if you don't also need skilled nursing or therapy. Meals delivered. Housekeeping services like cleaning and shopping. Medications. Medical equipment unless your doctor orders it as part of the care plan.

Most people get confused about this. Medicare covers medical services delivered at home. Not general assistance with living independently.

If Medicare denies coverage, you pay out of pocket. Skilled nursing visits run $100-$200 per visit. Physical therapy costs $75-$150 per session. Aide services bill $25-$35 per hour.

Get written confirmation that services qualify before they start. Ask your doctor and the agency if your situation meets Medicare criteria. Don't assume.

Compare costs across different care types to understand what options actually run financially.

Most people need professional medical care at home right after leaving the hospital.

Your discharge planner should arrange everything before you go home. They'll recommend certified agencies, get physician orders, and schedule the first visit. Don't wait until you're home to figure this out. Handle it before discharge.

If you're setting up services without a hospital stay, start with your doctor. Explain why you need skilled care at home. Get them to write orders specifying services needed. Contact agencies to verify they accept new patients and can start quickly.

The agency sends a nurse for an initial assessment within 48 hours of discharge. They evaluate your condition, review medications, and create a care plan. Then services begin according to your doctor's orders.

Most plans involve multiple weekly visits initially, then taper as you improve. Physical therapy might happen three times per week for six weeks. Nursing visits could start daily then reduce to twice weekly.

Family caregivers often coordinate these services while managing their own responsibilities. Explore the complete guide for caregiver resources for comprehensive support, services, and solutions during recovery.

Success means graduating from services because you've recovered. Not staying on them forever.