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Returning home after a hospital stay can be a major transition, especially for older adults. Home health care after hospitalization can provide eligible patients with skilled support during recovery and help identify concerns that could otherwise lead to complications. Supporting a Safer Transition Home After discharge, patients may have new medications, mobility limitations, wound care needs, or instructions to follow. Post-hospital home health care brings skilled services i

The main goal of home health care is to help eligible patients receive skilled healthcare services in the comfort of their own homes while supporting recovery, safety, independence, and overall well-being. Supporting Recovery at Home After a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or injury, some patients may need continued professional care. Home health care services can help patients follow their treatment plans, monitor health concerns, rebuild strength, and work toward recover

Understanding how to get home health care for seniors can make it easier for families to find the right support after a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or change in health. Start With a Healthcare Provider The first step is usually speaking with a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate the senior’s condition and determine whether skilled home health care is medically necessary. If appropriate, the provider can order home health services and help e

Understanding Medicare home health care eligibility can help patients and families know when skilled care at home may be covered. Medicare covers certain home health services when specific requirements are met. Medicare 1. You Must Need Skilled Care A patient must need part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, or meet Medicare's requirements for continued occupational therapy. The services must be reasonable and nece

Finding dependable home health care for elderly patients in Chicago can help families support an aging loved one while allowing them to remain in the comfort of home. Seniors may benefit from home health services after a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or when managing ongoing health and mobility challenges. What Does Home Health Care Include? Unlike non-medical companion care, skilled home health care provides healthcare services based on a patient's individual needs and

If you are searching for home health care providers in Chicago, you may be looking for skilled support for yourself or an aging loved one after a hospitalization, surgery, illness, or change in health. Home health care allows eligible patients to receive professional healthcare services in the comfort and familiarity of home. What Services Can Home Health Care Provide? Depending on a patient’s needs and plan of care, home health care in Chicago may include skilled nursing, th

Living with a chronic condition can make everyday health management more challenging. Home health care for chronic illness in Illinois can provide eligible patients with skilled care in the comfort of home while helping them manage symptoms, maintain function, and reduce avoidable complications. Start With Your Healthcare Provider If you or a loved one has diabetes, heart disease, COPD, hypertension, or another ongoing condition, speak with your healthcare provider about chan

When an older adult needs additional support at home, families may hear the terms caregiver and home health aide. While both can provide valuable assistance, their roles are different. What Does a Caregiver Do? A caregiver often provides non-medical assistance with everyday needs. Depending on the arrangement, this may include companionship, meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping, reminders, and help with personal care. Caregivers may be family members or paid p

Choosing the right home health care agency can make a significant difference when you or a loved one needs skilled medical care at home. Whether you are recovering from surgery, returning home after hospitalization, managing a chronic condition, or experiencing changes in strength and mobility, knowing what to ask can help you make an informed decision. What Services Does the Agency Provide? Ask whether the agency can provide multiple services based on your changing needs. OC

Being a caregiver for the elderly requires patience, compassion, communication, and an understanding of your loved one’s changing needs. Whether you are helping a parent, grandparent, or another older adult, the right approach can support their safety, comfort, and independence. 1. Listen and Communicate Take time to listen to your loved one’s concerns and preferences. Good senior caregiving includes involving older adults in decisions about their daily routines and health wh

Does Medicare cover wound care at home? For eligible patients, Medicare may cover wound care at home when it is medically necessary and provided as part of qualifying home health services. This can allow patients to receive skilled treatment while recovering in the comfort of their own homes. OCTIHEALTH provides professional home health wound care through skilled nursing services. Depending on the patient’s condition and physician-approved plan of care, a skilled nurse may pr

Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care at home? For eligible patients, Medicare may cover medically necessary skilled nursing care and other home health services when certain requirements are met. OCTIHEALTH is a home health service company dedicated to helping patients receive professional care where they are most comfortable, at home. Through OCTIHEALTH, patients may receive skilled nursing care at home based on their physician-approved plan of care. Skilled nursing servi

When an elderly parent refuses help, it can be frustrating and emotional for the entire family. Your parent may fear losing independence, feel uncomfortable having someone in the home, or simply believe they can manage on their own. Instead of arguing, start with a respectful conversation. The National Institute on Aging recommends talking directly with older adults about concerns, listening to their wishes, and offering specific, practical solutions. Ask what your parent is

OCTIHEALTH was proud to attend the Elderwerks Aging Better Expo, connecting with older adults, caregivers, families, and professionals dedicated to helping seniors age safely and confidently. The Expo brings together valuable senior resources, education, and services that help families make informed decisions about aging, health, and care. Participating in the Elderwerks Aging Better Expo gave OCTIHEALTH the opportunity to speak directly with community members about how profe

The FDA has approved Tudriqev (vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg) in combination with nivolumab for certain adults with unresectable advanced cutaneous melanoma whose cancer progressed after PD-1 therapy. This new advanced melanoma treatment offers another option for patients facing treatment-resistant disease. What Is Tudriqev? Tudriqev is an oncolytic viral therapy designed to target cancer cells and stimulate an immune response. Treatment involves injections directly into tum

Yes, Medicare may cover home health care after surgery when specific eligibility requirements are met. This coverage can help patients recover safely at home following a joint replacement, cardiac procedure, abdominal surgery, or another operation. To qualify for Medicare home health care after surgery, a doctor or other authorized provider must certify that you are homebound and need part-time or intermittent skilled care. Being homebound generally means leaving home is diff

Living with diabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, or high blood pressure can make daily life more difficult. With chronic condition management at home from OCTIHEALTH, eligible seniors can receive skilled medical care while remaining in a comfortable and familiar environment. OCTIHEALTH’s skilled nurses follow the patient’s physician-approved care plan and provide education to help seniors better understand their condition. Depending on their needs, nurses may monitor blo

A recent Salmonella Egg Recall has prompted a nationwide food safety alert after 98 people became sick across 17 states, with 26 requiring hospitalization. The outbreak has been linked, in part, to recalled shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. Although no deaths have been reported, older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness. If you have recently purchased eggs, check the carton carefully. Th

Understanding Medicare Myths can help seniors make informed healthcare decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Many people believe they know how Medicare works, but misinformation can lead to missed benefits or unexpected expenses. Here are 10 common Medicare Myths every senior should know. Medicare is completely free. Most people pay no Part A premium, but many still pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for other parts of Medicare. Medicare covers everything. It does not

OCTIHEALTH Home Health was invited by the Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility Alliance, or AAHAA, to present at the Antioch Public Library on Dementia-Friendly Nutrition and the important role home healthcare plays in helping individuals with dementia live safely and independently at home. AAHAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves residents of Antioch, Grant, and Lake Villa Townships in Lake County, Illinois. Its mission is to improve healthcare access for all residents re