Do I Need Home Health Care?

"The right to consent to or refuse treatment after being provided sufficient information to make informed decisions about the proposed treatment, the benefits and risks of such proposed treatment, and the alternatives to such treatment."

With this right to refuse care, though, as you can see above, you can only do so after you have been made aware of the consequences.

Some factors you may want to consider when trying to answer the big question - do I need home health care?

• Do you live alone?

This question alone may be your deciding factor.

• Can you dress yourself completely and safely?

This question begs an honest answer. You can probably get by with no bath for several days or even weeks (peuw!) BUT, you won't be able to get by without pants, socks and shoes on!

• Do you want to become stronger or improve your balance?

Just coming home is enough to pump some strength into most, however, for specific balance or strength issues, your latest P90X workout DVD is likely NOT the answer - your local home health agency may be!

• Do you have a history of falling?

If a fall landed you in the hospital or rehab facility in the first place, you will want to think twice about refusing home health care. Even though you went through balance training there, it can be a different story at home!

• Is your home safe?

You may think so, but it's better to be safe than sorry! If nothing else, let a home health physical therapist come out and evaluate you and your situation. Discuss what they found and make a decision from there. You have the right to not only refuse home care, but to also refuse it at any time during the process, but you can't keep refusing and accepting!

There are many more questions to be asked and everyone's situation is very different and sometimes very complex. If you are still asking do I need home health care?, you more than likely do.

If you are still wondering - read what others have said below, post your own question for others to comment on or ask me!

Do I need Home Health Care?

Are you wondering if you need home health care?

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