Home Health Services

 Serving Harper County since 1966

Who are we?

The Harper County Health Department/Harper County Home Health Agency provides an array of in-home service programs through public health and home health programs.  These services are provided through several different funding sources.  Home health services are a valuable community service program, providing short-term in-home assistance to individuals who are recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, and also providing ongoing support to individuals who have long-term care needs.

 Why would someone need your services?

In an era of “cost containment,” many hospitalized patients are being discharged as early as possible, sometimes with risks related to these early discharges.  Patients, families and loved ones often express their concern about the patient’s ability to function safely and independently at home once they leave the hospital setting.  This is one area where the Harper County Health Department/Harper County  Home Health Agency can provide the necessary care to bridge the gap from hospital discharge to recovery or maintenance.  It is a proven fact that home health care is a less expensive alternative to hospital or institutional care.  Certainly, most people state a preference to be able to return or remain at home.

Preparation for transition from a hospital or nursing facility setting to home health services is beneficial for both the client and agency personnel.  Patients, families or medical providers who are considering utilizing home health services should contact the home health agency of their choice as soon as the need for continued care is determined.  All pertinent information about the patient’s condition, health history, physical status, and supporting clinical information should be sent to the home health agency.  Full disclosure of the patient’s condition allows agency staff to prepare for the patient’s admittance to home health services and allows for a smooth transition from acute care to home care, benefiting the patient and family.

Who do you serve? 

The Harper County Home Health Agency in Anthony is certified to provide these needed services to qualified individuals.  Those who qualify may receive medically necessary skilled nursing or therapy services through Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance programs through the Harper County Home Health Agency.  In order to qualify for Medicare home health benefits through the Harper County Home Health Agency, patients must meet the following criterion:

·                     Be classified as homebound.  This is determined by the physician or home health nurse based on an assessment of the patient’s limitations.

·                     Be under the care of a physician.

·                     Be receiving services under a plan of care established and reviewed by a physician.

·                     Be in need of skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis as determined by the physician.

·                      

Qualifying services for Medicare billing consists of skilled nursing visits and skilled therapy visits.  Skilled therapy includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

 What if I don’t qualify for skilled care?

The Harper County Health Department also provides nursing, personal care and housekeeping services for patients who do not qualify for a skilled level of care necessary for services through the Harper County Home Health Agency.  These services are provided through a variety of funding sources including HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waivers, Senior Care Act Services, and private pay. 

 In order to qualify for HCBS waiver services, a patient must be eligible Medicaid and meet the medical need guidelines.  Patients interested in HCBS services are initially screened by a case manager from either the Area Agency on Aging or an Independent Living Center.  If approved for services, the case manager develops a care plan and assists the patient in setting up a provider for the services on the care plan. 

Area Agency on Aging case managers also assesses patient needs for eligibility for the Senior Care Act Services and Older Americans Act (OAA) IIIB and IIID programs. Senior Care Act services provide similar in-home supports to individuals aged 60 and over who meet financial and medical need guidelines.  Fees are charged for individuals receiving Senior Care Act services, but the fees are based on income through a sliding scale.  OAA IIIB (homemaker and attendant care services) and IIID (medication management) programs are provided on a donation accepted basis.

 Are there any other options?

Patients may also choose to receive services through private pay options, and as stated earlier, some private health insurance programs include home health benefits.  If you are in need of in-home services, or know of someone who could benefit from these valuable services, please contact our office for additional information and we will assist in determining which options are available to provide support and assistance in your home.  The Harper County Health Department/Harper County Home Health Agency is here to serve those in need of in-home services throughout the county.     

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KANSAS HOME CARE ASSOCIATION AWARD:  Grace Gates was honored as the Kansas Home Care Association (KHCA) Home Care Hero Honoree of the Year at the KHCA Annual meeting on September 23, 2010. Linda Patrick, home health aide for Harper County Health Department/Harper County Home Health Agency was the recipient of the Home Care Paraprofessional of the Year Award at the KHCA annual meeting on September 17, 2008. Heather Struble, Assistant Administrator, was also awarded the KHCA Administrator of the Year during the 2006 Annual KHCA meeting.  Their dedication and committment to home health services continues to be an inspiration to the rest of the in-home services team.

Please contact our agency at 620-842-5132 if you are aware of anyone who could benefit from in-home services or if you would like more information about the many options for in-home care.

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