Home healthcare is skilled nursing care and other healthcare services you receive in your home for the treatment of an illness or injury. There are two types of home care: 

  • Skilled care includes nursing care, physical therapy, speech and hearing therapy, occupational therapy, social work services and other healthcare services, which are ordered by a physician and provided by nurses or therapists. 
  • Supportive services include assistance with personal needs (walking, bathing, dressing), homemaker services (shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping), home-delivered meals, telephone reassurance, etc.

While in the hospital, a discharge planner from the Care Transitions department will meet with you and your family to discuss what types of care will be needed for you following discharge. Careful attention is given to assisting, planning and managing a quality home healthcare program. All home healthcare plans are under the direction of the patient's physician, who is involved in all aspects of the care and works closely with the staff. 

Insurance Coverage

To qualify for home healthcare coverage, a patient must meet the criteria established by their insurance carrier. Some insurance providers also require that patients use a home care agency that is approved as a “network” or “contracted” provider. Patients should contact their insurance provider to obtain coverage and network provider information. 

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to obtain covered benefit information. 

Home Healthcare Resources

Valley Home Care
Valley Home Care – Home Health Aide Vendors
A Place for Mom – Free assessment and referral service
Home Care Association of NJ
How to Choose a Home Care Provider (National Association of Home Care & Hospice)
Home Health Compare (Medicare.gov)
National Association of Home Care & Hospice
Seniors Resource Guide
Supplier Directory (Medicare.gov)
Visiting Nurse Associations of America

For additional resources, visit these Valley CARES pages:
Caregiver Resources
Community Resources
Long-Term Care
Senior Services