What is home care?

You don't have to do much to prepare yourself or your home. But talking with the home health agency may help you feel more comfortable about their services and staff. You can also discuss any concerns you may have about your care.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare.

• Check with the home health agency about how much you'll have to pay and what your options are for paying.
• Ask the agency if the staff is trained and licensed to give the type of care you'll need.
• Ask them who you should call if you're worried about the care you're getting.
• Save emergency numbers in your phone. Include your doctor's number and the home health agency number. Also include numbers for family members or friends that you can call for help.

Home health care is care at home that may be recommended if you have an illness, injury, or surgery. It may include health checks, skilled nursing care, or physical therapy. You or your caregiver may be taught to do the care. The staff are trained medical professionals.

Just like with medicine, your doctor prescribes home health care for you. Prescribing is also called ordering. So you may hear your doctor ordering home health care for you.

First, someone from the home health agency will meet with you. They'll talk to you about your health, find out about your needs, and let you know when to expect them.

Then nurses or other professionals will come to your home and care for you. The staff will also teach you or your caregiver how to do some or all of your care.

Care can include checking your blood pressure or getting blood samples for lab work. It can also include help with medicines or wound care. You may need help with medical equipment, like caring for a catheter.

While you're getting care at home, the staff will let your doctor know about your care and how you're doing.