How Is Skilled Home Health Care Different from Supportive Home Care?

Skilled home health care is provided by a team of licensed and/or certified clinicians under the guidance of your physician. Registered nurses, licensed therapists, and other health professionals work with your physician to provide the needed services to help you reach and maintain your maximal level of function, health, and comfort. 

Supportive home care services are considered nonclinical. The focus is on providing personal and supportive care in your home, with the goal of helping you stay in your home. Services are provided by nonmedical caregivers. 

Which service does Cedar Community offer?
Cedar Community in West Bend has proudly been serving the community with skilled home health services since 2005. We have exceptionally low rehospitalization rates due to the high quality of care offered by our home health team.

Who would benefit from skilled home health care?
You or a family member may benefit from skilled home health care if you are:

  • Recovering from a recent illness, surgery, or hospitalization.
  • Recently discharged from a nursing home or rehabilitation unit, but need additional care.
  • In need of education regarding your health condition and how to manage your disease effectively.
  • In need of medication management which may involve educating persons to fill pillboxes correctly and/or assisting with monitoring of other therapeutic medication regimes.
  • In need of therapy services to regain strength and mobility in your home, which could include the development of a home exercise program. 

Who pays for skilled home health care?
Medicare, private insurance, and HMOs typically cover certified skilled home care services when the criteria are met. Medicare Home Care agencies will assist in determining your specific coverage and any copays.

What is the Medicare criteria for skilled home health care? 
In order to receive home health care services under Medicare, the patient must require skilled intermittent nursing care; physical, occupational, or speech therapy; have a physician’s order for home health care; and be in a condition that it is difficult for the person to physically leave their home without significant help (or cannot leave at all) at this time. Medicare allows for home health services to come to the home if leaving the home would require a considerable and taxing effort on the patient, and if the patient has a condition due to an illness or injury which restricts their ability to leave home except with the aid of devices such as crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, special transportation, or assistance of another person. Home health patients may leave their home if absences from the home are infrequent or for period of relatively short duration.

How long does skilled home care last?
There is no set length of time for skilled home care—it can vary greatly based on a person’s unique needs. The physician prescribing your home care will oversee services until your recovery goals are met.

How do I contact Cedar Community Home Health?
We welcome you to call Cedar Community Home Health at 262.306.2691.

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