Home Health in Bloomington, MN

Bloomington Minnesota Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask

Bloomington is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, on the north bank of the Minnesota River, above its confluence with the Mississippi River, 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. At the 2020 census, the city’s population was 89,987, making it Minnesota’s fourth-largest city. Minnesota is home to western prairies, agriculture, forests, and the North Woods which is used for recreation. About one third of the state is covered in forests and it is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for having over 14,000 bodies of fresh water covering at least ten acres. All these attractions make Minnesota a premiere place for our aging population to call home.

About Home Health in Bloomington

Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country. Aging adults love living there and enjoying the later years. As a result of aging it is common some people may 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 Minnesota Department of Health oversees regulations, licensing, and monitoring of home health agencies in the state. Home health in Minnesota designs each individual’s treatment plan with services approved and prescribed by the individual’s doctor. 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.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.

Considerations when looking for care in Bloomington

Bloomington has that small town feel with only 89,298 residents but it is a stones throw from Minneapolis so the access to care and resources is vast.

Cities Near Bloomington

• Minneapolis – 10 miles north
• Apple Valley – 10 miles south
• Eagan – 8 miles east
• Eden Prairie – 10 miles west

Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health

Generally, those people who receive home health service will not require 40 hours per week. Home health care in Minnesota may cost anywhere between $30 to $40 per hour, or may cost more if there are specific services required which are of a higher level.

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 Hospitals and Healthcare Providers

Allina Health Bloomington Clinic

7920 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425

Park Nicollet Clinic Bloomington

5320 Hyland Greens Dr, Bloomington, MN 55437

Local Resources and Links

Minnesota Help Network-Senior Linkage Line A resource where the elderly, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and professionals can go to get information and referrals.

Minnesota Board on Aging The Minnesota Board on Aging is the gateway to services for seniors and their families. MBA listens to senior concerns, researches for solutions, and proposes policy to address senior needs.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)  State centralized system for mandated reporters and the public to report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an and adult in Minnesota who is vulnerable due to a condition or service need. Operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care The Board advises on and coordinates government plans around aging to ensure that Older American’s Act requirements are met. The MBA administers state and federal funds and also creates public awareness, encourages research on aging issues and provides technical assistance and grants to local aging organizations. By participating in board and committee meetings, MBA members work to create a collective vision that represents the best interests of older Minnesotans.

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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