Will Medicare Pay For Home Health Care For Dementia Patients?

Introduction

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can provide coverage for certain medical expenses including home health care services. Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory cognitive function can leave many seniors in need of home health care. However many individuals wonder if Medicare will pay for these needed services.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care is a broad range of health care services provided in the comfort of the patient’s home. This type of care can include skilled nursing physical therapy occupational therapy speech therapy more. Home health care is often used for seniors who have recently been discharged from a hospital or nursing home need continued medical care or for those with chronic conditions that require ongoing monitoring treatment.

Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

If you are eligible for Medicare you may be able to receive home health care services. Medicare covers a variety of home health care services including skilled nursing care rehabilitation therapy medical social services home health aides. However Medicare has certain requirements that must be met for coverage to be provided.

To qualify for home health care under Medicare you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be under the care of a doctor who has prescribed home health care as part of your treatment plan.
• You must be homebound which means that it is difficult for you to leave your home without assistance.
• You must need skilled nursing care or therapy services on a part-time basis such as physical therapy occupational therapy or speech therapy.
• You must use a Medicare-approved home health agency.

Will Medicare Cover Home Health Care for Dementia Patients?

Dementia is a condition that may require ongoing medical care assistance with daily living activities. Medicare may cover home health care services for individuals with dementia if they meet the program’s requirements for coverage.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia speak with your doctor about what home health care services may be needed. If skilled nursing care therapy services or other medical services are needed to manage the dementia Medicare may cover those services. Additionally Medicare may cover home health aides to provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing dressing meal preparation.

Conclusion

Home health care can provide much-needed medical care assistance to seniors with dementia allowing them to stay in the comfort of their own homes while receiving necessary treatment. Medicare may cover home health care services if the individual meets the program’s requirements for coverage. If you or a loved one has dementia speak with your doctor about what home health care services may be needed whether Medicare coverage is available.