HomeCare PlanFinders — Find Trusted Home Health Care Services

Home health care is a broad term for medical and non-medical services provided in the comfort of a patient's home. These services are designed for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or injury, as well as those managing chronic conditions or age-related challenges.

What Is Home Health Care?

Home health care includes a wide range of health care services that can be given in your home for an illness or injury. Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Types of Home Health Care Services

Skilled Nursing

Licensed registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide medical care including wound care, medication management, IV therapy, and patient education. Skilled nursing is one of the most common home health services.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists help patients regain strength, mobility, and balance through customized exercise programs. In-home physical therapy is particularly beneficial after surgery, stroke, or injury.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help patients relearn daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and eating. They also recommend home modifications to improve safety and independence.

Speech-Language Pathology

Speech therapists work with patients who have difficulty speaking, swallowing, or with cognitive-communication skills. This is common after stroke or with progressive neurological conditions.

Home Health Aide Services

Home health aides provide personal care assistance including bathing, grooming, dressing, and light housekeeping. They work under the supervision of a nurse or therapist.

Medical Social Work

Medical social workers provide counseling, help with advance directives, connect patients with community resources, and assist with care transitions.

Who Qualifies for Home Health Care?

To qualify for Medicare-covered home health care, a patient must:

Be homebound (leaving home requires considerable effort)

Need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, or continued occupational therapy

Have a doctor certify the need for home health care

Receive services from a Medicare-certified home health agency

How to Choose a Home Health Agency

When selecting a home health care provider, consider:

**Medicare Certification** — Ensures the agency meets federal quality standards

**Accreditation** — Look for Joint Commission or CHAP accreditation

**Quality Ratings** — Check Medicare's Home Health Compare tool

**Services Offered** — Make sure they provide the specific services you need

**Availability** — Confirm they serve your area and have capacity

**Insurance** — Verify they accept your insurance plan

**References** — Ask for and check references from current or past patients

Cost of Home Health Care

The cost varies significantly based on location, services needed, and duration of care. On average:

**Skilled Nursing:** $50–$130 per visit

**Physical Therapy:** $150–$200 per session

**Home Health Aide:** $25–$35 per hour

Medicare covers home health care at 100% with no copay when eligibility requirements are met. Many private insurance plans also cover home health services.

Getting Started

The first step is to talk to your doctor about whether home health care is right for you or your loved one. Your doctor can provide a referral to a certified home health agency, or you can search for providers on our website.