Home Health in Mesa, AZ

Mesa Arizona Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix and Tucson and the 36th largest city in the US. Mesa residents enjoy many museums and archaeology sites, as well as recreation such as golfing and water-parks. Mesa Grande Cultural Park is home to a giant, centuries-old ceremonial mound, and artifacts of the ancient Hohokam people. The Arizona Museum of Natural History exhibits dinosaur skeletons and archaeological finds. Mesa Arts Center presents theater, musicals and contemporary art Mesa is the ultimate desert playground for incredible, sought-after adventure.

About Home Health in Mesa

Arizona offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of the country. The reasonable cost of living makes it an ideal place for retirees and all seniors alike. Because of the state’s 300 days of beautiful sunshine a year and a growing economy it is an ideal place for seniors. There are 7.5 million residents of Arizona, 18% of which are 65 years and older. As a result of aging, it is common for some people to require care at some point. 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. The individual’s treatment plan (as assigned by the doctor) 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. Most commonly, your loved one’s doctor will prescribe a home healthcare agency. Being serviced by the agency your physician has chosen is not set in stone and you may choose to use a different home health agency if you choose. 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.

Licensing and certifications for Home health agencies must be in compliance with Arizona state and local standards. A home health director must ensure that nursing services are provided by a registered nurse or practical nurse, according to the policies and procedures in place. The home health director will ensure the patient’s condition and the provided services are documented in the patient’s medical record – and verbal orders for care from the patient’s physician or registered nurse practitioner. 

Medicare Part B and the Hospital Insurance Act cover home health services. In order to receive Medicaid and Medicare, agencies must meet certain standards set out by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A physician and qualified nurses oversee the skilled nurses and the other home health professionals.

Considerations when looking for care in Mesa

509,475 people call Mesa home. There are nearly 100 home health agencies to choose from!

In Mesa, the summers are sweltering and dry, the winters are cool, and it is mostly clear year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 43°F to 106°F and is rarely below 35°F or above 111°F.

Cities Near Mesa

• Phoenix – 18 miles west of mesa
• Scottsdale – 12 miles north of Mesa
• Chandler – 8 miles south of Mesa
• Queen Creek – 23 miles east of Mesa

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health

Home health is usually covered by Medicare. Generally plans are set up to be reimbursed by Medicare or other insurance when applicable. 

If you or a loved one is receiving home health in Arizona and does not have coverage through Medicare the typical cost for a Health Aide is $21 per hour. If we look across the state, people pay between $17 and $31 per hour for a Home Health Aide. Home health aides are going to be less expensive than therapists and certified nurses. A physical therapist averages $42 per hour, however, the services may cost anywhere between $40 to $300 dollars per hour depending on the required level of treatment. You will want to speak with your agency about the costs for higher levels of care professionals.

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 to ask when looking for 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 Hospital and Healthcare Providers

Banner Desert Medical Center

Dignity Health – Arizona General Hospital Mesa – Mesa, AZ

Banner Baywood Medical Center

Mountain Vista Medical Center

Resources and Links – Arizona

Area Agency on Aging Region One– Serves adults 60 and older, family caregivers of older adults, adults with disabilities and long-term care needs, adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and victims of late-life domestic violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault.

Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., Area Agency on Aging – American Indian elders and those that are Title III, VI and VII eligible in Tribal Communities in Arizona. We work with 21 tribes in Arizona.

Adult Protective Services – Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)– SHIP provides health and long-term care insurance information to Medicare eligible Arizonans, their families and caregivers. The purpose of this program is to ensure Arizonans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Office of Arizona State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – The LTCOP will make every reasonable effort to assist, advocate, and intervene on behalf of the resident. When investigating complaints, the program will respect the resident, maintain their confidentiality, and will focus complaint resolution on the resident’s wishes

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.

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