What is a home health agency?

A home health agency is an organization that provides caregivers to assist those in need of help.

There are several types of agencies. Here are some examples for you:

1. Licensed and Non-licensed. There are strict guidelines that are governed by the state. In order to become a state licensed agency, the owner must comply with the rules and regulations and be able to produce materials including policies and procedures, in order to pass the state audit. In my personal opinion, I am a strong advocate for licensure. This only helps to regulate agencies and more importantly, helps to ensure quality patient care. If the agency you are considering is not a state licensed agency, you have no way of knowing how they screen their employees, nor what guidelines they follow in their operations (policies and procedures).

2. Medical or non medical agencies. Those agencies who provide non medical care offer companions, home health aides and personal care givers. Most of the care delivered will include errand running, transportation and assistance with ADL’s (activities of daily living). There are some very reputable agencies who offer caregivers that are trained, skilled and very qualified to provide non medical care.

3. Skilled or medical care agencies. These agencies, although most are Medicare certified (able to accept funds through Medicare) provide skilled nurses and therapists.
If you are considering hiring a home care agency to provide care for you or a loved one, I would recommend that you review the document on our website “How to Hire a Home Care Agency”, provided by the National Home and Hospice Association.

~Serena L. Brock