Re:Just some information yesterday on MEDICARE

[Guest guest]

Not having a transplant but being in this field, I know the home health aid workers that you're referring to can come out to care for the patient as long as there's a skilled need. It's typically 2-4 months but could be longer. The home health aid workers typically would come out 2-3 times a week for 2-4 hours helping with bathing, grooming skills, etc. They cannot come out for the sole purpose of respite. Skilled needs include but not limited to: bandage changes, blood pressure checks and medication instruction to name a few. These services are provided by a Registered Nurse.Dike Ajiripsc 2002

[Guest guest]

I am a RN that does home health. Medicare recertification for services

is every 60 days. You can stay on home health as long as there is a

skilled need. We have patient that have been on home health for years

that have chronic illnesses.

If a pt has diabetes, or Congestive heart failure, neuropathy, PVD

there is a foot care program offered by medicare that keeps you on the

services for a very long time.. not all Home Health agencies do the

foot care program so check around with agencies in your area.

Medicare pays for twice a week assistance with bathing. During the

aides visit they can do one load of laundry and if the pt request they

can assist with a simple meal, take out the trash. Also medicare will

pay for a nurse to come out and set up the pt's medication in a weekly

pill organizer once a week.