Home health care consists of a variety of preventive, acute, subacute, rehabilitative and long-term care services delivered intermittently in the home.
Services range from assistance with activities of daily living to high-tech medical treatments.
Services are prescribed by a physician and delivered by or under the direction of a health care professional in accordance with a plan of care authorized by a physician. Often home health services relate to a person's acute medical needs and are not provided over an extended period of time. Services are designed to assist a person in completing medical treatment regimens, complying with self-administered medication instructions, and participating in other therapeutic activities which aid the person in maintaining health. Medical equipment and supplies that are related to the specific medical interventions provided may be included as part of the service. In addition to providing care for specific treatments and interventions, skilled health care professionals may provide periodic assessments and monitor a person's health status and well-being, so that treatments can be altered to best meet the individual's needs.