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JAMA Patient Page: Home Health Care

JAMA Patient Page:
Home Health Care

Home health care is a term used to describe a variety of health and social services that are provided in the homes of individuals who are disabled or ill. Home health care is often the best option for people who prefer to be at home but whose health care needs cannot be met by visits to health care facilities and assistance from family and friends. To receive home care through Medicare, an individual must be eligible for Medicare and under a physician's care and either be homebound and require medically necessary skilled nursing or therapy services, or require hospice services.

The April 24, 2002, issue of JAMA contains an article about maximizing patients' functional independence in home healthcare.

Home Health Care Providers

Home health care providers are licensed professionals who provide a range of services in the homes of people receiving home health care.

Physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions and supervise care, including recommending other professional services that may be needed.

Nurses provide other medical care that requires special training, such as intravenous treatment, wound care, injections and education about managing medical diseases and conditions.

Physical therapists use specialized equipment and exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility and mobility.

Speech pathologists help improve the communication skills of patients affected by a stroke or surgery and can assist with improving breathing and swallowing functions.

Occupational therapists provide help in improving activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating, and provide equipment to make activities easier.

Dietitians evaluate patients' dietary needs based on their illnesses and recommend appropriate diet plans.

Home health aides assist patients in performing their daily activities.

Homemakers provide help with household tasks, such as cooking, doing laundry, cleaning and shopping.

Companions can assist patients who should not be left home alone by supervising patients and providing companionship.

Volunteers can provide a variety of services depending on their training and skills.

To find certified home healthcare professionals, check with your local Medicare or Medicaid office, or contact one of the listed agencies. It is important that care be provided by licensed, reliable staff.

For More Information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(410) 786-3000
www.cms.hhs.gov

Administration on Aging
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
(800) 677-1116
www.aoa.dhhs.gov

National Association for Home Care
(202) 547-7424
www.nahc.org

Inform Yourself

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at www.jama.com.

Related JAMA Patient Pages

JAMA Patient Page: Palliative Care (February 20, 2002)
JAMA Patient Page: Hospice Care (February 21, 2001)
JAMA Patient Page: Stresses of Being a Caregiver (December 15, 1999)

Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Association for Home Care, National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization

Lise M. Stevens, M.A., Writer
Cassio Lynm, M.A., Illustrator
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor

(JAMA. 2002; 287:2168)
Published in JAMA: April 24, 2002

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call (718) 946-7424.