Understanding Agency Services
Compare different home health agency services and specialties to make informed referral decisions for your patients.
Core Home Health Services
Skilled Nursing Care
Professional nursing services including wound care, medication management, IV therapy, and patient education.
- • Wound care and dressing changes
- • Medication administration and management
- • IV therapy and injections
- • Patient and caregiver education
- • Vital signs monitoring
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation services to improve mobility, strength, and functional independence.
- • Mobility and gait training
- • Strength and endurance building
- • Balance and coordination exercises
- • Pain management techniques
- • Fall prevention strategies
Occupational Therapy
Helping patients regain independence in daily living activities and adapt to their environment.
- • Activities of daily living (ADL) training
- • Home safety assessments
- • Adaptive equipment recommendations
- • Cognitive rehabilitation
- • Energy conservation techniques
Speech Therapy
Treatment for communication disorders and swallowing difficulties.
- • Speech and language therapy
- • Swallowing evaluation and treatment
- • Cognitive-communication therapy
- • Voice therapy
- • Alternative communication strategies
Specialized Services
Cardiac Care
Specialized care for patients with heart conditions, including CHF management and cardiac rehabilitation.
Diabetes Management
Comprehensive diabetes education, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin administration support.
Post-Surgical Care
Recovery support following surgery, including wound care, pain management, and rehabilitation.
Chronic Disease Management
Ongoing care for chronic conditions like COPD, arthritis, and neurological disorders.
Nutritional Counseling
Dietary guidance and meal planning for patients with specific nutritional needs.
Palliative Care
Comfort-focused care for patients with serious illnesses, emphasizing quality of life.
How to Select the Right Services
1. Assess Patient Needs
Evaluate the patient's medical condition, functional limitations, and care requirements. Consider both immediate post-discharge needs and long-term care goals.
2. Match Services to Diagnosis
Different conditions require different service combinations. For example, stroke patients typically need PT, OT, and speech therapy, while post-surgical patients may primarily need skilled nursing.
3. Consider Agency Specializations
Some agencies specialize in specific conditions or patient populations. Match your patient's needs with agencies that have proven expertise in those areas.
4. Verify Service Availability
Confirm that the agency can provide all required services in the patient's geographic area and can accommodate the patient's schedule and preferences.