Home Health in Tampa, FL

Tampa Florida Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask

Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination.

About Home Health in Tampa

Florida is sunny and warm year round and there are endless beautiful beaches. If you like to get out into nature, there are endless enjoyments to be experienced, which is great for promoting activity and continued health. The state of Florida is a highly desired location for seniors and retirees because of the ideal weather and laid back lifestyle. Florida is home to 4.5 million residents aged 65 and older, and that number continues to rise. 

Licensing and certifications for Home health agencies in Florida must be in compliance with state and local standards. Agencies are licensed by the Department of Health. In Florida Medicare and the Hospital Insurance Act cover most home health services. In order to receive Medicare, agencies in Florida 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.

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. This care is temporary and often short term by nature. 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. Upon completion of the rehabilitation, the patient may resume normal function around the house after they’ve recovered. 

In-home aides may assist with personal care and health monitoring, similar to the care an individual would receive in a long-term facility or community, in the comfort of their own home. Typically, this is non-medical care. However, caregivers may work with patients to craft a plan to fit their needs. 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.

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.

Considerations When Looking for Care in Tampa

Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area with a population of 384, 959 according to the 2020 census. As the seat of Hillsborough County, Tampa is the third most populous city in Florida after Jacksonville and Miami. 

The warm climate and natural beauty attract year-round visitors and residents from a variety of cultures. These features and more have led to Tampa becoming a preferred location for senior citizens to retire, so the need for senior care in Tampa is significant.

Cities Near Tampa

• Oldsmar – 16 miles west
• Lutz – 14 miles north
• Seffner – 14 miles east
• Thonotosassa – 15 miles north

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health 

Home health services are usually reimbursed by Florida Medicaid. These services are rendered by licensed, Medicaid-participating home health agencies and Medicaid enrolled or registered independent personal care providers.

However, if paying for home health services, on average, a Health Aide costs $18-21 per hour. Home health Aides are not the same ask skilled nurses or therapists. Those rates will vary, and typically be much more expensive than basic Health Aide services.

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

Tampa General Hospital

1 Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL 33606

St. Joseph’s Hospital

3001 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607

Advent Health Tampa

3100 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33613

HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital

2901 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609

Resources and Links – Florida

Florida Department of Elder Affairs Administers human service and long term care programs for Florida’s elders age 60 and older and their caregivers. Services include Home Care Program, Nutrition Programs, Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Nutritional Counseling, Family Caregiver Support Program, Adult Family Care, Personal Care Management Program, Money Management Program Financial Assistance, Congregate and Supportive Housing, Nursing Home Ombudsman Program, transportation, home repairs and employment.

Department of Children and Families Florida Abuse Hotline The Florida Abuse Hotline serves as the central reporting center for allegations of abuse, neglect, and or exploitation for all children and vulnerable adults in Florida. Confidential reports.

American Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations is a Care Giver Program, Case Management, Home Health Services, Adult Protective Services, Emergency Response Systems, Employment Services, Financial Services, Legal Assistance, Home Repair, Home Modification, Information and Referral/Assistance, Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Personal Care, Sr. Center Programs

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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