When you think of home health care, you almost immediately think of the elderly. While this is a fairly accurate image, there are several other groups of people that can request home health care and benefit from these services as well. If you fall into the following categories, you can request a referral to a home health care agency that is covered by your insurance:
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are debilitating disorders. The body's own cells attack tissues, organs, and even bone, leaving patients in crippling pain or exhaustion. When daily tasks become far too much to manage on one's own, then it is time to get extra help from professional nursing staff.
There are dozens of autoimmune disorders. This is the short list, which includes the most common ones:
- Lupus
- Lou Gehrig's (ALS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- AIDS/HIV related illnesses
Check with your doctor to see if your diagnosis fits the description of an autoimmune disorder.
Physically and/or Cognitively Disabled
If you are physically disabled, you fit the description of those in need of home health care. Nurses will come to your home and assist you with bathing, cooking, cleaning, dressing, getting out of bed, and getting into bed for the night. If you are married to or have a child with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, then you can obtain extra help via a home health care program as well.
Respite Care
Caring for anyone with any sort of disabling condition wears on you. At times, you really need a break. Home health care is not just for the person needing care; it is also for the family members who already regularly provide care. If you are someone who provides care for a family member, and you are the only one (or one of a very few) that do this job, home health care aides can give you a regular break.
It is called "respite" care, and you are free to do what you need or want to do to take care of yourself for a few hours to a few days a week. The visiting aides or nurses take over for you in your place during that time. They follow your routines and expectations, so you do not have to feel guilty for taking that much-needed break. Talk to an agent today to see how this arrangement would work for you and your situation.
You can also check out a website like http://www.inyourhomecares.com/ for more information and assistance.