Home Health in El Paso, TX

El Paso Texas Home Health: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Health, Licensing and Questions to ask

El Paso is a city in El Paso County, Texas, United States. It is the 22nd-most populous city in the U.S., the most populous city in West Texas, and the sixth-most populous city in Texas. Centuries-old Spanish missions, art museums, theaters, operas, symphony orchestras, outstanding Mexican and international cuisine, mariachi bands, rodeos, and country and western dancing all play a part in El Paso’s cultural mosaic. El Paso offers a unique blend of cultures, an affordable cost of living, and outdoor opportunities that make it an attractive place to live. El Paso is the perfect hot desert town near not only Mexico, but also New Mexico and Arizona.

About Home Health in El Paso

Texas is one of the biggest states in the United States, and its population shows that. Over 3.5 million aging adults 65 years and older call Texas home. And 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. Home health in Texas designs each individual’s treatment plan (as assigned by the doctor), which may include physical and occupational therapy, the monitoring of recovery, injections or wound care. 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. 

Considerations when looking for care in El Paso

El Paso is home to 678,415 people. There are two home health agencies in El Paso.

July is historically the hottest month in El Paso. Temperatures are cooler in August. December, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month in El Paso. The minimum temperature is 34.3 °F with a maximum of 57.7 °F.

Cities Near El Paso

• Ciudad Juárez – 8 miles south of El Paso

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 Texas may cost anywhere between $20 to $40 per hour, or may cost more if there are specific services required which are of a higher level. This service is prescribed by your doctor and it is possible it’s covered by your health insurance.

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? 

Resources and Links- Texas

Elder Abuse Prevention focuses on the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities and who live in the community. Any adult who has a disability or who is age 65 or older that is in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation may be eligible to receive adult protective services.

Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program This program offers counseling and assistance on a variety of topics including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance- long term care financing options and other health insurance options. 

Care Connection Aging and Disability Center connects people with services that help them maintain or improve their quality of life. Whether you are looking for information for yourself, a family member, a patient, or a friend, we will help you identify the right services for your needs.

Eldercare Locator 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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