Home health care, anyone?

[Ellamay]

Because they don't have enough staff.. because of cut backs, and Mom needs one on one..

That is scary and a sad state of affairs for our loved ones. I question how much help there is or lack there of to keep our loved ones home. The home support won't even feed my hubby as he has a feeding tube. It almost feels like the system doesn't support us in our efforts to keep our loved ones in their home. It makes me sad that my hubby might have less help if he has to go into a home for his care.

 

[danpaige]

Same problem for us

I am shocked and disappointed to learn that our health insurance, which we considered to be very good insurance, covers absolutely no home health care for my husband. He is 41 and was diagnosed 2 years ago. He no longer works and spends his day at home in a wheelchair while I am at work. Friends and relatives stop by to feed him lunch every day, but he will not be able to stay home alone for much longer.

Is this common for health insurance to provide no home health care? I was told that his condition is not deemed "medically neccessary." I got the same answer from Medicaire. Has anyone fought with their insurance company and gotten results on this matter? I am already so tired and sore from being his only caregiver. It is infuriating that neither private insurance nor the government sees the need for a person with ALS to receive home health care!

We have the same problem - we have BC/BS as primary on my husband and Medicare as secondary. Neither will pay for home health care but we are still fighting it. Our church has been paying but now that everyone is being laid off, donations have dwindled and they can't pay anymore. It is a RIDICULOUS situation. My husband cannot be left alone.

 

[Harry77]

This is a weak area in the ALS support system. Government agencies and insurance company's provide little if, any support and when they do, the annual income limits are so low most people won't qualify. Hospice is typically very good, but you need to be within your final six months to qualify for Hospice (which they are flexible with) and they typically can only provide a part time CNA. The best advise we rec'd was networking with our local chuch, ALS chapter, family and friends. CNA costs also vary widely, based on the individuals experience and expertise. We've also had some good sucess using some of the on-line classified sites. The one thing I would caution you on is to do a thorough background check and talk with prior clients. There are some excellent Care Givers out there, but there are also some I wouldn't trust our loved ones with. Start early, evaluate carefully and good luck.

 

[redneck charger]

That is scary and a sad state of affairs for our loved ones. I question how much help there is or lack there of to keep our loved ones home. The home support won't even feed my hubby as he has a feeding tube. It almost feels like the system doesn't support us in our efforts to keep our loved ones in their home. It makes me sad that my hubby might have less help if he has to go into a home for his care.

I was just told from a health care specialist.. and get this.. scares the hell out of me.. But while my Mom was well enough, she explained to the staff how to clean it, and fill it and etc.. was told most homes don't and will not take the time to learn this.. Mom was very fortunate..

 

[Mary123]

Home Health Care

Hi,

Thanks for sharing the useful information.

If ever you own a health care provider and you wish to employ the help of mystery shoppers, it is important for you to understand that there is a need that you should get a person who truly understands what he or she is doing. Taking that into consideration, go for that company that specialized mainly in health care and is faithfully dedicated to help businesses like you to improve your customer experience.

 

[jpinson]

Joe

Hi,
I am in a wheelchair all day and need home health care at night - our private insurance does not want to pay for this care "custodial care" because it is more of a physical need. It's crazy and my wife is exhausted too!
Joe

 

[Carolan]

Home health is a major deficiency in ALS care. Scheduled visits typically last 15-30 minutes (if not shorter--we've seen visits that last 5 minutes), and you *cannot* have home health come on the same day as admission or discharge from a hospital (Medicare will not pay for both hospital and HH on the same day).

Insurance, even if you have long-term care, is difficult. There is typically a 6-month waiting period during which you must pay every dime, and even after 6 months, good luck getting the coverage processed.

Medicare will not pay for shifts at all. You might be able to get help with Medicaid, if your state allows for it. The services vary depending on the state.

Hospice will help *if* the PALS signs a DNR. Without a "do not resuscitate" order, most hospice companies will not admit the patient. The reason for this is that hospice is for "end stage" care, not for people who want every effort to be made to prolong life. The employees who work shifts for hospice are not typically skilled in medical care, which is one way to keep costs down.

If you are dealing with a feeding tube, etc., you need a nurse, which is ridiculously expensive. Only nurses are allowed to administer medications. CNA's may "remind" a patient to take a medication, but they can't administer.

I am stunned that a nursing home would demand that a patient *still* hire a private nurse. Medicare pays for nursing home care, but if you are going to hire a private duty nurse, maybe you should consider care in the home, instead of in a nursing home that is refusing to provide actual care.