Long Term Home Health Care Program

Have you been wondering how you could get more in-home help for yourself or an ill loved one? Did you know there is another choice besides nursing home placement?

Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) offers the Long Term Home Health Care Program, sometimes referred to as "Nursing Home Without Walls." This program is designed to provide quality professional care in the home for people who might otherwise need to go to a nursing facility, supplementing the care provided by family members.

The main goal of the Long Term Home Health Care Program, (LTHHCP), is to prevent premature nursing home placement. It can also enable those who have already been placed in a nursing home or adult care facility to return to their community, and prevent or reduce the costs of unnecessary hospitalization.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Desire to remain at home
• Need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing
• Have an assessment that indicates that needs can be met safely at home
• Have a physician statement indicating the individual is able to remain at home
• Require coordinated services and case management
• Have a service plan whose costs for health and medical services reimbursed by Medicaid do not exceed 75% of the cost of nursing home or adult home care

Requires one or more of the following:

• Respiratory Therapy
• Medical Social Services
• Nutritional Counseling/ Education
• Home Maintenance & Improvements
• Social Day Care & transportation
• Home delivered meals
• Moving assistance
• Personal Emergency Response System
• Respite Care

The following services are also provided through the program: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, homemaking and housekeeping, home health and personal care aides. All services are provided under your personal doctor's orders.

The Department of Social Services helps families determine if they qualify for financial help through a special Medicaid program with generous eligibility guidelines. Medicaid pays for the Long Term Home Health Care Program for many who might not be aware they can participate.

The cost of providing care in someone's home must not exceed 75% of the cost of Nursing or Adult Home Care.

Most people prefer to stay at home, surrounded by caring family and friends. The Long Term Home Health Care Program can bring a wide array of services into the home, supporting a warm and nurturing environment with the help you and your family want and need.

For more information or to make a referral, please contact Visiting Nurse Service.