Resource Center

Skilled Nursing Care:
Skilled nursing care can be provided by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical/vocational nurse under an RN’s supervision. Skilled nursing can include, but is not limited to:

• Wound care: changing dressings, observation for healing/infection, and teaching care techniques to the patient & family
• Instructing the patient and or family in care techniques for:
  • Catheters
  • IV’s
  • ​Respiratory treatments
  • Medication injections

• Observation and assessing for unstable conditions such as:
  • ​Surgical Procedures
  • Blood Pressure
  • Fever and Infection

• Observation, teaching, and assessment
• Observation post medication changes
• Obtaining laboratory results for patients on Home Health Services per the primary care physicians orders

Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy services are for patients who have acute orthopedic, nerve and/or muscle disorders. These may be first-time occurrences, such as a fractured hip or a stroke, or a chronic condition that has resulted in a recent loss or decrease in function. The therapist will evaluate the patient’s current level of functioning and establish a plan of care that addresses the patient’s individual needs. Care provided may include, but is
not limited to:

• Training the patient to use a walker, cane, wheelchair or prosthesis
• Performing therapeutic exercises to strengthen or increase movement
• Performing massage and applying hot packs and ultrasound treatments for pain and soreness
• Establishing a home program for the patient/family to follow on days the therapist does not visit and after therapy services end

Speech Therapy:
Speech therapy must be provided by a licensed speech pathologist. Speech therapy may be needed after illnesses such as stroke, Parkinsonism, laryngectomy (removal of voice box), tracheostomy (artificial opening in the neck for breathing) and other disorders affecting speech and/or swallowing reflexes. The
speech therapist will perform an evaluation, establish a plan of care and provide therapy as indicated.

Dependent Services Provided Through Home Health
Patients receiving any of the skilled services previously outlined can receive occupational therapy, certified nursing assistants/home health aides, and/or medical social services. These services are known as dependent services.

Occupational Therapy:
Once other services are initiated, patients can receive occupational therapy from a registered occupational therapist. Occupational therapists work with patients on fine motor coordination and performance of daily living activities such as dressing, feeding and relearning skills. The occupational therapist will perform an
evaluation and prepare a plan of care. Certified Nursing

Assistants/Home Health Aides:
Services from a Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide can only be provided for as long as the patient is receiving other skilled care. Services include:

• Bathing and grooming, dressing and transfers from bed to chair, ambulatory and artificial limb assistance
• Some semi-skilled care, such as simple, non-sterile dressings or basic exercises
• Light housekeeping for the patient only
• Meal preparation and feeding
• Maintenance of a safe environment
• Assistance with oral medications by reminding the patient to take them

Medical Social Services:
Medical Social Services can only be provided for as long as the patient is receiving other skilled care. Medical Social Services are provided by a professional social worker, and are initiated on an individual basis when there is a concern for the patient’s economic, environmental or personal safety status. The medical social worker can:

• Assist the patient with financial planning, Medicare/Medicaid coverage and placement
• Evaluate environmental factors affecting the patient’s medical condition
• Work with local protective services on safety issues affecting the patient’s care and recovery
• Provide assistance to the patient’s family with issues related to the patient’s recovery