Although it is true that Medicare requires someone to be “homebound” to receive home care services, the definition of homebound has changed and is now much more broad.
A person does not have to be bedridden or confined to their home to be considered homebound. The Medicare definition states that occasional absences from the home for non-medical purposes (a trip to the barber, a walk around the block or a drive) will not necessarily disqualify a beneficiary from being classified as homebound. However, the absences must be infrequent or of a relatively short duration.
Other conditions that classify patients as homebound and eligible for home care services include:
Being recently released from the hospital after surgery
Facing debilitating weakness or pain
Being under physician orders for limited activity
Having an illness or injury that limits the ability to leave home without supportive devices.
Having conditions for which leaving home is medically unadvised.