Home Health in Iowa City, Iowa: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Iowa City, Iowa, offers a welcoming environment for seniors seeking home health care services. Known for its vibrant community and rich cultural scene, Iowa City provides a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an appealing place to retire. The city’s extensive park system and proximity to the Iowa River offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Moreover, Iowa’s commitment to senior care is evident in its ranking as 20th nationwide for the percentage of population aged 65 and older. This dedication ensures that residents have access to quality assisted living options and support services. With a strong sense of community and a focus on well-being, Iowa City stands out as a desirable location for seniors to enjoy their golden years.
Home Health Communities near Iowa City, Iowa
Mercy Home Care
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 524020000
Johnson County Visiting Nurse Association
Iowa City, Iowa 522406021
Physmed Iowa, Llc
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Home Health
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Therapy Solutions
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
Aveanna Healthcare
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 524010000
Cedar County Phns
Tipton, Iowa 527720000
About Home Health in Iowa City, IA
Home health care in Iowa City, IA, encompasses a range of medical and therapeutic services provided in the comfort of one’s home. These services include skilled nursing, home health aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. Designed to assist individuals recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions, home health care aims to promote independence and enhance quality of life. Additionally, it offers a personalized approach, tailoring care plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Iowa City, IA
There are 3 Home Health providers in Iowa City, Iowa. With a population of approximately 75,264, about 13.0% of residents are aged 65 and older. In Iowa City, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are cold and snowy, and it is moderately wet year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 13°F to 85°F and is rarely below 0°F or above 90°F.
Cities near Iowa City, IA
- Coralville, IA – 3 miles west
- North Liberty, IA – 8 miles northwest
- Tiffin, IA – 10 miles west
- West Branch, IA – 12 miles east
- Solon, IA – 13 miles northeast
Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health Services
Paying for senior care involves several factors, including the type of services needed and coverage options available. On average, seniors can expect to pay $6,673 per month for home health services, which typically include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. These essential services help ensure a comfortable and well-supported aging experience. Costs may vary based on location, level of care required, and agency offerings.
Many home health care agencies choose to become Medicare-certified, allowing them to receive reimbursement for eligible services. Additionally, home health providers may educate individuals and their families on self-care techniques to promote independence. When prescribed by a physician, home health services are often covered by medical insurance and are commonly provided after a hospital stay or skilled rehabilitation.
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.
Definitions of types of care
Home Care: Caregiver assistance related to activities of daily living, including: mobility, eating, toileting, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming or cognition support. These services are typically not covered by medical insurance and do not require a physician’s order.
Home Health: includes skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and medical social services. A home health care agency may choose to be Medicare certified to be reimbursed for their services. Home health agencies may also teach you how to care for yourself. Services ordered by a physician, covered by Medical Insurance and typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.
Rehabilitation & Therapy: treatment for an injury, illness, or pain with the goal of restoring function, including nursing and therapy services. Rehab is ordered by
a physician and services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Examples include working with a physical therapist to help you walk and with an occupational therapist to help you get dressed.
Respite Care: short term relief for family caregivers to take a break from the caregiving responsibilities and allows for a healthier and better quality of life for both the caregiver and care receiver. Respite services include: companionship, personal care, recreational activities and security. Respite care can be provided as short stay or for a longer period that allows the family caregiver to go on vacation or a business trip. Longer duration respite care is generally found at select senior housing communities although some Companion services may provide this service in the home.
Hospice Care (Palliative Care): emphasizes comfort measures and counseling to provide social, spiritual and physical support to the dying patient and his or her family. The goals of hospice are to keep the patient as comfortable as possible by relieving pain and other symptoms. Hospice care, is typically offered in the last six months of life and covered under Medicare Part A .
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Iowa City, IA
- University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-1616 - VA Iowa City Health Care
601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 338-0581 - Mercy Iowa City
500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 339-0300 - Iowa City Free Medical Clinic
2440 Towncrest Drive, Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 337-4459 - UI Health Care – Iowa River Landing
105 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 467-2000
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?
Resources and Links – Iowa
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities.
Iowa Department on Aging The Iowa Department on Aging strives to improve the quality of life of older Iowans by connecting them to services provided by Iowa’s six Area Agencies on Aging. Learn how you or your loved one can connect to nutrition services, caregiver support, case management, and more
Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program Senior Health Insurance Information Program can help find answers to questions you have on Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance, and other health insurance issues.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents of nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living programs and elder group homes. The Ombudsman’s Office can investigate and resolve complaints that may affect the health, safety, welfare, or right of residents. Whether through individual contact with residents or systemic advocacy, ombudsmen make a difference in the lives of residents in long term care facilities everyday.
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.
