FAQs About Our Home Health Care & Home Care Services in PA
Still need help? CONTACT US. We will be glad to assist you.
Questions about Home Health Care
What is Home Health Care?
Home Health care is a group of medical services, provided in the home to assist you and your family member recovering from an illness or injury. Medical services can include Registered Nurse, Certified Wound Specialist, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Medical Social Worker and Certified Home Health Aides.
What are the qualifications for Home Health Care?
To qualify for home health care you must have a diagnosis that requires the expertise of a nurse or a rehabilitation therapist. Medicare requires that patients receiving Home Health services must be homebound. Activities such as going to doctor’s appointments, attending church or hair appointments can still be considered homebound.
Who pays for Home Health Care?
Home Health Care Services are covered by your health insurance. Each insurance and coverage is different. Eligibility is discussed prior to services being rendered.
Can I refer myself to Premier for Home Health Care?
Home Health referrals must be made by a physician. If you believe that you or a loved one qualifies and would benefit for home health care, contact us and we will contact your physician for service approval.
Is a hospital stay required in order to qualify for Home Health Care?
No, your doctor may refer you directly to Premier Home Care. You must, however, meet the qualifications for home care. (see qualifications listed above)
Do I need to call someone once I am home from the hospital or skilled nursing facility? How soon will I hear from home health clinicians?
No, there is no need to call for home health care. Home health clinicians will contact you and/or your family on the day of your discharge. The standard at Premier Home Care is to make the initial visit to your home within 24 hours of your discharge unless you or your doctor request a different time.
What time will my home health nurse or therapist be arriving?
Your clinician will call you the day before they are coming to arrange the time with you. We will do our best to accommodate your requests and schedules.
Will I always have the same nurse or therapist?
We strive for continuity of care and do our very best to assign the same clinician throughout the course of your rehabilitation whenever possible.
How long do Home Health Care services last and can I have it more than once?
There is no set timeframe for services. The duration of your home health care services is determined by the clinical assessment of your medical needs. Yes, you may receive home health care services more than once.
How long does each visit with nurse or therapist last?
Each session with a nurse or therapist may differ based upon the necessary clinical care, goals and level of activity. Typically a visit can last anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour.
Who can I call if I have a problem and I can’t wait for my nurse or therapist to arrive?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always dial 911. If it is a non-emergent issue please contact the office 215-969-2225. This number is available to patients and family members 24/7.
I had the same day procedure. Am I eligible for Home Health Care?
Yes, we can begin visiting you on the same day as your procedure provided that we are contacted in advance by you or your physician.
I need help with bathing. Do you provide this help?
While under our care for home health services, if you need assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing or grooming), Premier Home Care can provide Home Health Aide services. If you are able to complete activities of daily living independently or when you no longer require the clinician visits at that time you no longer qualify for a home health aide through home health care coverage.
Do you have a visiting doctor?
No, Premier does not have a visiting doctor on staff but can connect patients with visiting doctor services.
Questions about Home Care
What is the difference between Home Health and Home Care?
Simply explained, home health is assistance in the home by medical professionals whereas home care is assistance in the home provided by non-medical caregivers. Additional information about the two services can be found on our skilled and non-medical home care page.
Do I need to sign a contract for Home Care services?
Yes, Premier Companion Care requires a signed service agreement.
What is the minimum number of hours for Home Care services?
The minimum number of hours for Home Care services is four hours consecutively
Is there a deposit for Home Care services?
Yes, there is a deposit for homecare services. The deposit is a prepayment for the first 2 weeks of your service. This is not a traditional deposit however, as it is credited towards the account and used for your first 2 weeks of service. After the initial 2 weeks, you will be billed retroactively only.
I live in a Senior Living community, can I still have Home Care services?
Yes a Senior Living community is your home. The community may have caregivers already on staff but you may require more individualized care and are welcome to have your own private caregiver in addition to the general care provided.
Are your Home Care caregivers bonded, insured and covered by your Worker’s Compensation policy?
Yes, caregivers are fully bonded and insured as well as covered by the company Worker’s Compensation policy as per state and federal labor laws.
What is a “one-on-one” caregiver?
A “one-on-one” caregiver is when a person requires continual and individualized care, supervision and support by a caregiver.
How do you track caregiver arrival and attendance?
All caregivers use our Electronic Visit Verification App that utilizes GPS tracking for all clock-ins and clock-outs.
What is a Home Care Assessment?
At Premier, our free home care assessment is completed by a Registered Nurse to determine your personal needs and to develop an individualized care plan.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How is Premier Home Care addressing the current COVID-19 pandemic?
All Home Health clinicians are 100% fully vaccinated. Staff are provided with PPE (masks, gowns, gloves, shields, hand sanitizer).
Every Home Care caregiver is screened at the start of each shift via our specialized App which immediately notifies a supervisor of any symptoms. We adhere to all federal and state mandates and have 100% staff and caregiver vaccination compliance. All staff is provided with PPE (masks, gowns, gloves, shields, and hand sanitizer.)