Are You Eligible for Home Health Care? Key Criteria Explained

Step 1: Talk to Your DoctorYour Journey Starts Here: Begin by discussing your needs with your doctor. If they determine that you require home health care, they’ll provide an order for the necessary services. Once you have this order, you can contact a home health care agency to start setting up your care plan.

Step 2: Are You Homebound?What It Means to Be Homebound: To qualify, you must have significant difficulty leaving your home, whether it’s due to needing a walker, cane, or assistance from another person. Your doctor will need to confirm that leaving home is challenging and that staying home is better for your health.

Step 3: Do You Need Skilled Care?Skilled Care: Home health care is designed for those who need professional nursing or therapy services on an intermittent basis. Your doctor will decide what care is necessary for you.

Step 4: Certified Care ProviderCertified Care Provider: The care you receive must be from a Medicare-approved home health agency to ensure you’re getting top-quality services.

Step 5: What Happens Next?If You Qualify: Your doctor will set up a care plan for you, and you’ll begin receiving the help you need—such as nursing, therapy, or assistance with daily tasks—all in the comfort of your own home.