Home health care is typically recommended for seniors who are leaving the hospital or another acute care setting after a procedure, surgery, or other health situation to help them recover. Whether the hospital stay was planned or not, it’s common for the patient’s family members to feel uncertain or anxious about the patient’s return home. Fortunately, home health care services help patients recover at home with the skilled care they need. Here, we’ll go over some tips we have about how to make the most of your loved one’s home health care experience.

Studies have demonstrated that the transition from hospital to home is complex and tricky, with “approximately one in five patients [experiencing] adverse events during this transition, including unplanned readmissions within a month of discharge, medication errors, and even death.” Home health services provide the skilled care that can prevent these readmissions and adverse events.

The suggestions below will help you minimize stress and maximize the benefits of home health care services so your loved one’s transition back home is supportive and restorative.

Understand what home health care is

First, it’s important to understand what kinds of services home health care provides. Home health care typically includes skilled clinical services prescribed by a doctor. These services may involve:

• Skilled nursing care, like wound care and IV medication administration.
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
• Monitoring of health conditions.

Keep in mind that home health care is not the same as nonmedical home care. Home health care usually does not include home care services like extensive supervision or help with personal care tasks like bathing, toileting, or household chores. These services may be included on a short-term basis if a doctor deems them medically necessary alongside the skilled medical care provided by home health care.

Before services begin, ask the provider for a care plan that outlines the specific services they will provide and the frequency of visits. This will help align expectations and avoid confusion.

Talk with key staff members before discharge

If possible, you should meet the key staff members of the home health care agency prior to your loved one’s discharge back home, but this isn’t always feasible. Talking on the phone for a brief introduction might be your best bet. It can help you feel more at ease by putting a voice to a name and having some of your preliminary questions answered.

Your loved one may feel overwhelmed when they head back home, and meeting someone new can take a lot of mental energy. If they are able to meet key staff before leaving the hospital, they may adjust better to treatment at home.

Get organized before the first home health care visit

A smooth transition starts with preparation. Before the first home health visit:

• Clear a safe space in the home for care delivery, especially if physical therapy is involved.
• Gather medical records, recent discharge papers, and a list of current medications.
• Make a list of questions or concerns, including symptoms to monitor, medication side effects, or changes in mobility or mood.

Being organized helps the skilled care provider work more efficiently so your loved one gets exactly the care they need from the start.

Plan to be present for the first few visits

Whenever possible, a family member or trusted caregiver should be present during initial visits. This allows you to:

• Give a tour of the home, including which areas are good for certain therapies and where medications are stored.
• Clarify care goals and ask follow-up questions.
• Learn how to assist with exercises, wound care, or medication routines.
• Build a relationship with the home health care professionals.
• Share your loved one’s preferences about relevant aspects of care.
• Observe your loved one’s response to care.

Even if you can’t be there in person, consider joining by phone or video if possible. Your engagement shows your support and helps ensure care is coordinated with preferences and daily routines.

Establish a communication station

Often, the home health care staff will use an electronic medical portal to document what they did during their visit, how your loved one responded, how they are progressing, vital signs, medication times, side effects, and more. If not, though, you should find another way to communicate with them.

Put a notebook and pen on the kitchen counter or front entry table and designate it as a communication station for home health care staff. Ask the staff to jot down any questions or concerns in the notebook, and you can also leave notes for them. 

Ask questions and express concerns

Remember, your loved one is still recovering. It will take them some time to regain their strength and reacclimate to living at home. The home health care team is a part of this process, and you should work together toward these goals.

You can always ask questions, share your observations, and express concerns to the visiting staff. Most of the home health care staff will be with your loved one for a short amount of time. Your insight is helpful and necessary.

You’ll also want to be able to communicate with the home health care leadership staff if needed. Speak with them to make changes to the care schedule, add more services or sessions, ask questions about insurance coverage, or report serious concerns. Keep their contact information in your phone so that you can access it quickly if needed.

Plan ahead for the end of home health care services

Home health care services are typically temporary, designed to support recovery after hospitalization for an illness, injury, or surgery. As your loved one nears the end of home health care:

• Ask about the next steps, such as outpatient rehab, follow-up with primary care doctors, or community resources.
• If needed, explore long-term care options, such as nonmedical home care, assisted living, or a nursing home.
• Talk about future goals, especially if your loved one has a chronic or progressive illness.

Transitions can be stressful, but planning ahead reduces the chances of repeat hospitalizations and helps your loved one maintain independence longer.

Home health care can be an effective and convenient way to support recovery after a hospitalization or medical event. By understanding what to expect, staying organized, and communicating clearly with the care team, families can help ensure a smoother and more successful experience.