Home Health in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma Washington Home Health: How to pay for, Laws and Regulations and Questions to ask…

Tacoma, located in the heart of Pierce County Washington, is a beautiful city at the edge of Puget Sound just south of Seattle. Tacoma is a vibrant and active city that attracts art and outdoor enthusiasts. Tacoma is a great place to start your search for home care services. Facilities in this area could accept State Medicaid, private payers and long-term care insurance. 

CareAvailability.com has been used by families and care professionals in the Tacoma area to find real-time home care availability and provide a comprehensive list of options for care. We do all the work for you when it comes to finding the best home care companies in and around Tacoma.

About Home Health in Tacoma

Washington is one of the safest places to live in the country. Residents of Washington love the weather, although it is rainy. However, mostly temperatures throughout the year, especially towards the western side of the state are mild and desirable. Washington State is known for snow-capped volcanic mountains, multiple national parks and for its agricultural prowess, not to mention coffee.

Home health is a unique type of care. Home Health is not Home Care. A physician orders the services, which are typically provided after a hospital stay or a skilled rehab stay. The intention is that the patient may resume normal function around the house after they’ve recovered. Not all home health services require around the clock care. Sometimes a loved one may only need help a few days a week. However, caregivers may work with patients to craft a plan to fit their needs. Home health professionals provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These in-home aides may assist with personal care and health monitoring, similar to the care an individual would receive in a long-term facility or community but rather in the comfort of their own home.

Licensing and certifications for Home health agencies must be in compliance with state and local standards. Agencies must process initial hiring background checks through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Background Check Central Unit (DSHS BCCU) and subsequent two-year checks through WSP. In order to receive Medicaid and Medicare, agencies must meet certain standards set out by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A physician and qualified nurses oversee the skilled nurses and the other home health professionals.

Considerations when looking for care in Tacoma

Tacoma has a population of about 225,000 residents with a senior population of about 8.5% total. This makes Tacoma a great place for aging folks to relax and enjoy the beautiful views and with a great selection of companies offering senior care. 

Cities Near Tacoma 

• Olymbia – 30 miles west 
• Seattle – 33 miles north
• Federal Way – 12 miles north
• Parkland – 10 miles south

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 Care Providers

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital

315 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405

St. Joseph Medical Center

1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405

St. Francis Hospital

34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003

CHI Franciscan Rehabilitation Hospital

815 S Vassault St, Tacoma, WA 98465

Resources and Links – Washington

Community Living Connections For people who are looking primary for Information and assistance line for people facing aging and disability issues.

Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Promotes and protects the rights of long-term care residents living in licensed care facilities with the assistance of trained volunteers, the Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of residents, and identifies problems that affect a substantial number of residents.

Adult Protective Services (APS) For those who are looking to contact APS for reports on allegations of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect of vulnerable adults living in the community and in facilities.

Department of Social and Health Services Adult Abuse and Prevention A Department we are tied together by a single mission: to transform lives. Each administration within DSHS has a refined focus on this mission. Individually we have the following missions to transform lives by promoting choice, independence and safety through innovative services.

Office of Insurance Commissioner, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)– SHIBA has volunteers who can help you with your health care coverage questions. You get free, unbiased and confidential education and assistance.

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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