If you are preparing for major surgery, there are many things to consider and to plan for ahead of time, including the risks and the recovery process. Knowing beforehand what you will need post-surgery will help you to be involved in your care decisions and will ensure better preparation for a quicker and easier recovery,
Advances in telemedicine and telemonitoring have made it more possible to recover in comfort of your home, under the care of a certified home care agency, like McLean Home Care. Speak to your doctor or your hospital discharge planner about these services prior to surgery to help you prepare for your return home. If your surgery is the result of an emergency situation, a family member or caregiver can help and arrange for services on your behalf.
You Have a Choice
If your doctor recommends that you use a home health service, you have the right to select a the one you are most comfortable with, to give you the care you need. You do not need to choose the hospital’s home health agency, even if they are strongly recommending it. Medicare regularly inspects home health agencies and it’s important to note that they only pay for home health services that are provided by an agency that meets their standards and is Medicare approved (certified). Consult Medicare.gov for this up to date list.
What Is Home Care?
Home Care is “supportive care provided in the home, by licensed healthcare professionals who provide medical treatment needs or daily assistance to ensure the activities of daily living are met.”
McLean Home Care includes an experienced team of skilled registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, and medical social workers and home health aides who bring 5-star health care services to your home, apartment or even Assisted Living community. They help coordinate the care and/or therapy your doctor orders following surgery, or due to a chronic condition, illness or injury. Along with the doctor, home health staff create a person- centered care plan just for you. The home health staff keeps your doctor up-to-date on how you are doing and updates your plan of care as needed, as authorized by your physician. Possible services you may receive include:
- Skilled nursing and home health aide
- Physical, occupational and speech rehab therapies
- Medical social work services
- Specialized care for chronic conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease or COPD
- Home telemonitoring or emergency medical response technology
- Palliative Care
- Joint Rehabilitation following replacement surgery
- Fall prevention and balance training
- Comfort-focused palliative and hospice care
- Advanced planning and resources
- Wound Care
- IV Management
How to Choose an Agency
- Make sure the agency is licensed by the state.
- Look in the Home Health Compare section on Medicare.gov website to be sure the agency is certified by Medicare to meet federal requirements for health and safety. Compare the patient care star ratings for the agencies listed here.
- Depending on your insurance, some or all of your home health care services may be covered. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider before arranging services.
- Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners or other professionals who have experience with the agency.
McLean Home Care is recognized nationally for exceptional care and specialized programming, and has received numerous high ratings, awards, and certifications in services spanning from fewest hospitalizations to the quality care. McLean is also the first LGBT certified home health care agency in CT. Call 860-658-3950 to learn more or visit https://mcleancare.org/health-services/home-care/.