FAQs About Home Health Care
Who qualifies for home health care?
In most cases the patient must be "homebound." This does not mean the patient is bed-bound or in a wheelchair. Homebound means that leaving the home requires a great effort and the patient rarely leaves home except for appointments such as physician visits. Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services' care is provided under the direction of a physician and follows a plan developed to address specific goals.
The patient must need "skilled" care from a nurse or physical therapist, and then may qualify for other care such as personal care & bathing, occupational therapy or social work services.
Who pays for services?
Home health services are paid for by:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private Insurances/HMO's
In most cases 100% of our services are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Private insurance and HMO policies may vary in coverage, co-pays and deductibles. Our trained billing staff will verify your insurance and inform you of your coverage and benefits.
When is the appropriate time for home health care?
The appropriate time for home care is whenever the skills of a nurse or therapist are required. For example:
- Following a hospitalization, rehabilitation or nursing home stay
- At the onset of a new condition or illness
- A change in an existing condition, including after surgery
- Need for wound care
Who can refer a patient to home health care?
Patients may refer themselves for services or referrals may be made by physicians, family, friends, clergy, hospital, rehabilitation facility or nursing home discharge planners. However, a physician must approve a plan of care before services can begin. If you have any questions about receiving care from Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services please call 413-562-7049.
Alternatively you can navigate to our online referral forms underneath the
Make A Referral page, or Click here...
How long does Noble Visiting Nurse provide care?
Length of time varies according to the patient and the condition. After Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services' first visit, patient and caregiver 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 primary physician. Once goals are met, or significant progress is made and care can be safely delivered by the patient's caregiver, Noble Visiting Nurse will discharge the patient.
Are all home health care agencies the same?
All home care agencies are not the same. Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services is an independent not-for-profit home care agency that was founded in 1986. If you would like Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services' expert staff to provide you with care ask for us by name, Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services.