Home Health in Norfolk, VA

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

Norfolk, Virginia, offers a lively mix of cultural attractions, waterfront living, and historic neighborhoods, making it an attractive option for retirees. Virginia ranks solidly among U.S. states for assisted living, reflecting its commitment to providing quality senior care. Located on the Chesapeake Bay and home to one of the largest naval bases in the world, Norfolk provides scenic views, a mild climate, and a vibrant arts community. Residents enjoy festivals, museums, and performances at venues like the Chrysler Hall, as well as ample opportunities for boating and waterfront activities. Combined with quality home health services, Norfolk delivers a balanced lifestyle of recreation, culture, and care.

About Home Health in Norfolk, VA

Home health in Norfolk, VA offers a variety of in-home healthcare services, including skilled nursing, assistance from home health aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. These services are designed to help patients recover from illness or injury, manage chronic health conditions, and maintain independence. Care plans are coordinated with healthcare professionals to ensure personalized and consistent support.

Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Norfolk, VA

There are 19 Home Health providers within 10 miles of Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk has a population of approximately 234,089 residents, with 11.5% aged 65 and older. In Norfolk, the summers are warm and humid, the winters are mild and breezy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 34°F to 88°F and is rarely below 23°F or above 95°F.

Cities near Norfolk, VA

• Portsmouth, VA – 2 miles W
• Chesapeake, VA – 10 miles S
• Virginia Beach, VA – 18 miles E
• Hampton, VA – 19 miles N
• Newport News, VA – 24 miles N

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 $5,529 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 Norfolk, VA

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
600 Gresham Dr, Norfolk, VA 23507
(757) 388-3000

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (excluded from count if filtering non-children’s)
601 Children’s Ln, Norfolk, VA 23507
(757) 668-7000

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
3636 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 398-2200

Sentara Leigh Hospital
830 Kempsville Rd, Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 261-6000

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
736 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 312-8121

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? 

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Information, counseling, and referral on aging and long-term care issues for older Virginians and their families.

Legal Services of Virginia, Inc.   LSNV is the largest legal aid organization in Northern Virginia, helping thousands of clients each year in civil legal matters. LSNV’s Elder Law unit provides legal assistance to persons 60 and older, regardless of income or resources, on such matters as Medicaid, Medicare, and other healthcare issues, nursing home and assisted living issues and guardianship. Also prepares wills.

Virgin Islands Senior Citizens Affairs Administration The Department of Human Services is committed to emerge as a public sector agency that empowers individuals and families towards self-sufficiency through a seamless delivery system of services.

Virginia Abuse and Neglect Hotline for Children and Adults APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older.

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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