Across Illinois, home health care providers are offering care to thousands of seniors, many of whom are living with chronic conditions. The state’s home health sector also generates jobs, which help to support the state’s overall economy. The Medicare home health benefit covers skilled nursing care and therapy services provided to patients in their own residence. The patient must be under the care of a physician-approved place of care, meet the definition of “homebound,” and be in need of skilled services on an intermittent basis. Patients often receive home health care following an acute care hospital discharge or because they require certain rehabilitation services. Services include care from highly skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and medical social workers. Home health aides provide personal care services for patients if needed to support skilled nursing services. As Illinois’s senior population grows, home health is poised to provide these needed health care services to the state’s seniors.
