Huntsville Alabama Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask
The city of Huntsville is the largest city by population in Alabama. This city is known for its contribution to the fields of technology, space, and defense industries. There is a major presence here with the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and Cummings Research Park. Huntsville also offers a broad base of manufacturing, retail and service industries. Huntsville, Alabama is a fantastic place to retire. The cost of living is below the national average, and the quality of life is outstanding. The community boasts an abundance of restaurants, entertainment, and retail options along with the natural beauty of parks, trails, and greenways.
- Huntsville Alabama Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask
- About Home Health in Huntsville
- Considerations when looking for care in Huntsville
- Cities near Huntsville
- Local Hospitals and Care Providers
- How to pay for Home Health and available coverage
- Questions and Inquiries about Home Health
- Resources and Links- Alabama
- Search other areas for Home Health
About Home Health in Huntsville
18% of Alabamans are aging adults 65 and older. The state is known for their excellent healthcare options and highly rated hospitals. The cost of living is an advantage because it is much less than the national average. Home health services are unique in comparison with other forms of care. These services are generally provided so the patient may be in their home while receiving care, as opposed to a long-term facility like a nursing home. Home health in Alabama designs each individual’s treatment plan (as assigned by the doctor), which may include physical and occupational therapy, the monitoring of recovery, injections or wound care. Upon completion of the rehabilitation, the patient may resume normal function around the house after they’ve recovered.
Home health services are generally short-term (temporary), depending on the doctor’s orders. Not all home health services require around the clock care. However, there are situations in which the caregivers continue the home health care beyond the doctor’s order.
The services provided are approved and prescribed by the individual’s doctor, making them personal. Within the home health plan is a detailed description of the type (or types) of medical care your loved one will receive. It will show you the plan for what types of care professionals will be delivering the care and the schedule they will be working. Most commonly, your loved one’s doctor will prescribe a home health agency. Being serviced by the agency your physician has chosen is not set in stone. You may choose to use a different home health agency if you’d like. If you know someone, a friend or family member who has received home health care and they were satisfied with their trained professional team, you can inquire into that agency.
Considerations when looking for care in Huntsville
Huntsville is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state, its population being 216,963 people. It’s home to many museums, historic sectors, festivals, art galleries and shopping centers. These features and more have led to Huntsville becoming a preferred location for senior citizens to retire, so the need for senior care in Huntsville is significant.
The hot season is from May to September, with an average daily high temperature above 81°F. The cool season from November to February, with an average daily high temperature below 57°F.
Home health agencies are not required by law to be licensed in the state of Alabama. Though, agencies may be certified through Medicare and Medicare to provide services. There are over 50 agencies within the area to choose from.
Home Health Communities near Huntsville, Alabama
Enhabit Home Health
Decatur, Alabama 35601
Aveanna Home Health
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
Centerwell Home Health
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
Huntsville Hospital Homecare
Huntsville, Alabama 35802
Spectrum Home Health Agency
Huntsville, Alabama 35816
Amedisys Home Health Of Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Limestone County Home Care
Athens, Alabama 35611
Cities near Huntsville
- Harvest – 19 miles north of Huntsville
- New Market – 16 north of Huntsville
- Athens – 34 miles west of Huntsville
- New Hope – 19 miles east of Huntsville
How to pay for Home Health and available coverage
Medicare:
Generally Medicare reimburses the cost of Home health services. Medicare typically covers your loved one when recovering from an illness or an accident or a surgery.
*Medicare covers the specific ailment. When treatment is completed Medicare coverage stops.
Medicare is not a long-term care solution.
Medicaid:
Medicaid programs are put in place on a state-by-state basis. Each state will have their own regulations regarding the coverage of care. Some individuals at a certain low-income level may qualify for Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers.
Veteran Aid and Attendance:
This benefit is available to some military veterans or surviving spouses.
- A veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Private Insurance:
- Most health insurance companies typically cover some services for acute medical needs.
- Do be aware, long-term coverage vary by plan. Not all long-term insurance will assist with home health services as the needs of the person tend to be temporary.
Private pay:
Families which can afford to do so may pay for care with private funds. Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, pension payments and family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care as well.
Questions and Inquiries about Home Health
- How long has the agency been serving this community?
- Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the services it offers and how much they cost?
- Is the agency an approved Medicare provider?
- Is the agency currently licensed to practice (if required in the state where you live)?
- Does a national accrediting body certify the quality of care?
- Does the agency offer seniors a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the senior being cared for?
- Is there a care plan in place that outline the patient’s course of treatment, describing the specific tasks to be performed by each caregiver?
- How closely do supervisors oversee care to ensure quality?
- Will agency caregivers keep family members informed about the kind of care their loved one is getting?
- Are agency staff members available around the clock, seven days a week, if necessary?
- Does the agency have a nursing supervisor available to provide on-call assistance 24 hours a day?
- How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality?
- How are agency caregivers hired and trained?
- What is the procedure for resolving problems when they occur?
- How does the agency handle billing?
- Is there a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay, and is financial assistance available to pay for services?
- Will the agency provide a list of references for its caregivers?
- Who does the agency call if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled?
- What type of employee screening is done?
Local Hospitals and Care Providers
Crestwood Medical Center
1 Hospital Drive Southwest, Huntsville, AL 35801
Huntsville Hospital Medical Mall
1963 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Huntsville Hospital
Huntsville, AL 35801
Resources and Links- Alabama
Alabama Department of Senior Services – LSA serves low-income people by providing civil legal aid and by promoting collaboration to find solutions to problems of poverty. LSA offices handle civil cases only.
Alabama Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services Division – The mission of the Adult Protective Services Division is to support and enable County Departments to protect elderly and disabled adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and prevent unnecessary institutionalization.
Alabama State Health Insurance Counseling Program – The Alabama Health Insurance Counseling Program gives free information and assistance on Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, long term care, supplemental insurance, and other health insurance benefits.
Legal Services Alabama, Inc – LSA serves low-income people by providing civil legal aid and by promoting collaboration to find solutions to problems of poverty. LSA offices handle civil cases only.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
