Home Health in Wichita, KS

Home Health in Wichita, Kansas: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Wichita, Kansas, offers a welcoming environment for seniors considering home health care. Known for its affordability, Kansas ranks among the more cost-effective states for assisted living, making it an attractive option for retirees. The city boasts a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with numerous parks and recreational areas that encourage an active lifestyle. Additionally, Wichita’s strong sense of community and cultural attractions provide enriching experiences for residents. For those aged 65 and older, these features contribute to a comfortable and engaging retirement. Home health services in Wichita are designed to support seniors in maintaining their independence while receiving the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.

About Home Health in Wichita, KS

Home health care in Wichita, KS, encompasses a range of medical and therapeutic services delivered in a patient’s home. These services include skilled nursing, home health aide assistance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. This approach allows individuals to receive personalized care while remaining in familiar surroundings. Moreover, home health care aims to promote recovery, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall quality of life.

Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Wichita, KS

There are 37 Home Health providers in Wichita, Kansas. With a population of approximately 397,532, about 13.7% of residents are aged 65 and older. In Wichita, the summers are hot and humid, the winters are cold and dry, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 23°F to 93°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 102°F.

Cities near Wichita, KS

• Haysville, KS – 10 miles south
• Derby, KS – 12 miles south
• Andover, KS – 14 miles east
• Newton, KS – 25 miles north
• El Dorado, KS – 25 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 $6,483 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 Wichita, KS

• Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
  929 N St Francis St, Wichita, KS 67214
  (316) 268-5000
• Wesley Medical Center
  550 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67214
  (316) 962-2000
• Kansas Heart Hospital
  3601 N Webb Rd, Wichita, KS 67226
  (316) 631-2000
• Newton Medical Center
  600 Medical Center Dr, Newton, KS 67114
  (316) 283-2700
• Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital
  720 W Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042
  (316) 321-3300

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 – Kansas

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Administrative oversight of state and federal programs. Many services are provided by AAA’s.

Kansas Protection Report Center  Prevention and Protection Services offers a variety of services to children, families and vulnerable adults including protection services, family-based assessments, family support services.

Kansas Dept for Aging and Disability Services Adult Care Hotline This hotline is made to report abuse, neglect or exploitation occurring in an adult care facility, medical care facility or home health agency

Kansas Department of Health & Environment Any complaint regarding nursing homes or residents of nursing homes.

Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is administered by the Kansas Department on Aging. Volunteers are available for all counties.

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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