Frequently Asked Questions
In Home Care FAQ
We are here and ready to help. See some of our FAQ below.
HOW ARE SERVICES PAID FOR?
– Home care services are not covered under most medical health insurance plans or Medicare.
– Some long-term care policies will cover home care.
– The local Area Agency on Aging has some programs that will cover many hours of personal care or home support. They also have cost sharing programs. To find out more, call the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging at (717) 263-2153.
– Veteran’s Affairs has several programs that cover home care services. To see if you qualify, please call the local VA office.
– The Waiver program is a Medicaid program available at the Office of Long-Term Living. There are financial and medical requirements to be accepted to this program. To find out if you qualify, contact the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging listed above.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET SERVICES?
This can vary due to several variables. It can take from 7 to 10 days to get services. Before services start, our nurse meets with the client and family to complete an assessment and develop a care plan.
WILL I HAVE THE SAME CAREGIVERS?
It is the goal of Heritage to send the same caregivers to each client as much as possible. We believe that by doing this continuity of care is possible. Our caregivers are able to develop a professional relationship with clients. Depending upon how many hours a day or days a week, we will determine how many caregivers are involved. For example, a client that requests 24-hour care will have between six to eight caregivers to meet that need.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOME HEALTH AND HOME CARE?
Home health is a service provided by a nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. This can be paid by Medicare and usually requires a physician’s order. Home care is a service provided to assist patients with personal care and home support. Home care is not covered by Medicare.
CAN I CHANGE MY SCHEDULE ONCE SERVICES ARE STARTED?
Yes, you can change your schedule once services are started. Any changes to your schedule should be made at the office by Wednesday to finalize the schedule for the following week. We will make changes as soon as we can.
ARE CAREGIVERS BONDED?
Yes, Heritage does carry bonded insurance on caregivers. These people are employees of Heritage In Home Care Services. All caregivers are required to undergo a background check, drug and alcohol testing, and a physical test in order to be employed.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
Heritage will offer assistance with personal care, home support, meals, medications, transportation, and more.
Personal Care Residence FAQ
We are here and ready to help. See some of our FAQ below.
DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR PERSONAL CARE HOMES?
Personal Care Homes are not covered under medical health insurance plans or Medicare. Some long-term care policies will cover personal care homes. We can assist you with verifying your long-term care coverage and completing necessary forms. The Aid and Attendance Program through Veteran Affairs can be utilized for Personal Care Homes. We can assist in verifying your eligibility for the Aid and Attendance Program.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CAN NO LONGER MEET MY NEEDS?
All residents are continually assessed for changes in condition. Most changes in conditions do not occur overnight. When the assessment team at Heritage begins seeing changes in a resident’s condition, the administrator will reach out to the resident and/or their family members to start the conversation regarding the resident’s needs and where and how those needs might be best met. The administration of Heritage will assist the family and resident with finding placement at a facility that best meets their needs.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FURNITURE?
Resident rooms are furnished with a bed, bedside stand, dresser, and wardrobe. There are TV and telephone hook ups in each room. Residents may bring their own furniture if they wish as long as it can fit comfortably and safely in the room. Residents may decorate their room with personal items as.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A RESIDENT RUNS OUT OF MONEY?
Upon admission it will be determined what length of stay your assets will cover. At Heritage, it is our goal to allow our residents to age in place. If it is determined that a resident’s assets are running low, the first step would be to see if there would be a room available that would fit within their budget. Heritage has a limited number of beds that qualify for low -incomes. Those residents may also qualify for the Personal Care Home supplement.
CAN I SELF-ADMINISTRATE MY OWN MEDICATION? CAN I USE MY OWN PHARMACY?
It is Heritage’s goal for each resident to be as independent as possible. In order to self-administer medications, the resident will be assessed by their physician and the nursing staff of Heritage. In order to self-administer medication, the resident must be able to identify the medication, the amount to be taken, and how and when it is to be taken. Heritage has a partner pharmacy, Care Options, located in Mount Holly Springs. By utilizing Care Options, the resident and family members don’t have to worry about getting new prescriptions or refills. Residents and family may choose to use a different pharmacy, however there may be an added fee.
CAN I USE MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN?
Residents may choose to keep their Primary Care Physician; however, Heritage works very closely with Greencastle Family Practice and they will make house calls to see their patients at Heritage.