Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Consider Home Health Care?

There are a variety of reasons for the rise in utilization of this important component to health care, some of which are listed below:

Home care improves the quality of life.

Home care helps maintain independence.

Home care promotes healing in a familiar environment & involves teaching the patient and family members how to continue caring for his/her needs when home care is no longer required.

Home care is less stressful and postpones or eliminates the need for institutionalization.

Home care is safer in terms of less infection and fewer complications than are incurred at a hospital.

Home care is more efficient and less expensive than other types of care.

Home care prevents or postpones advanced levels of care (i.e., assisted living or skilled nursing in a facility).

How does a patient begin receiving Home Health Plus home health care services?

A simple call to Home Health Plus ( 270-753-5656 ) will begin the process. HHP patients can be referred from many sources including physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, family, friends or self-referral. However, a physician must approve a plan of care before HHP can provide services.

If a hospital has its own home health care agency, how can I receive services from Home Health Plus (HHP)?

All patients have the right to choose HHP. Hospitals are governed by laws that protect the patient's right to select the home care agency of their choice, provided the agency is a qualified home care agency and is approved to provide home care services in the patient's county of residence. Hospitals must provide a listing of qualified home care agencies to patients in need of home care services prior to discharge from the hospital. Patients can request HHP as their home care agency at any time during their hospitalization.

If I am in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility and need therapy services when I go home, can HHP provide those services?

Yes. Many patients when discharged from a facility receive therapy services from HHP. All you have to do is ask for us. HHP will provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy and will provide skilled nursing and home health aide services depending upon the specific needs of the patient. It is very important that the therapy begun in the facility continue at home as soon as possible; HHP therapy services begin promptly in the home setting, assuring continuity of care with maximum benefit for the patient.

How quickly can home health services be provided?

Generally services can be provided within a 48-hour period and often the same day.

What can I expect during my first visit by HHP?

A registered nurse will perform a complete assessment of the patient. This will include an evaluation of present medical condition, current medications being taken, mental and physical status, medical supplies or equipment needs, any historical information which may be pertinent, contact information of family member, doctor, and other caregivers. Some of this information may be obtained from the hospital or nursing facility. The patient will then be given various documents that describe your patient rights, and HHP’s patient privacy policy. Your needs and requirements will be discussed. After this initial visit, patient goals are established and a schedule of visits (such as twice weekly for 4 weeks) is established. At each visit, progress toward goals is reviewed and significant changes are communicated to the physician. Once goals are met, or significant progress is made and the patient’s caregivers or family members can safely deliver care, HHP will discharge the patient.

How long does a home care visit last?

Each home visit lasts as long as it takes to provide necessary care -- usually anywhere from one-half hour to two hours or more. Visits are routinely scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. visits to existing patients are made as needed.

What if service being provided must be changed?

We are very flexible with our service and understand the care situation can quickly change. We can adjust schedules with short notice. And we do not have any "contract period" you are committed to.