Who are we?

Whitfield Regional Hospital Home Health Agency is a non-profit homecare agency owned and operated by the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority operating Whitfield Regional Hospital. WRH-HHA is a multi-service healthcare agency providing quality and inexpensive healthcare for residents in a nine county area in the Black Belt. We serve patients in Marengo, Greene, Hale, Sumter, Perry, Wilcox, Clarke, Choctaw and Dallas counties.

What do we offer?

Our services include skilled professionals that serve our patients by providing nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as nutritional counseling and home health aide care. WRH-HHA specialty services include the following:

• • Skilled Nursing Care – Registered Nurses perform initial assessments and develop a plan of care under the attending physician’s medical guidance. This plan of care coordinates services needed in consideration of the patient’s needs. The Licensed Practical Nurses make up the nursing team and promotes the patient’s plan of care.
• • Nursing Care Team – The Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses perform specialty services such as wound care which includes the use of wound vacs, ostomy care and other skin problems in order to promote healing and prevent complications. They also draw blood, administer parenteral medications and provide extensive teaching.
• • Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapies – Registered therapists perform specialty care when a patient has mobility problems or problems with self care that interferes with their ability to perform self care. The therapeutic plan of care developed by the therapist and the patient’s attending physician promotes in home health and well-being.
• • Nutritional Services – The Registered Dietitian provides counseling to promote healthy eating habits and promote management of the patient’s dietary regimen.
• • Home Health Aide Services – The Certified Nursing Assistant assists the patient with activities of daily living such as bathing, skin care, hair care, nail care grooming, dressing and linen changes. They also perform basic vital signs as needed.

FAQS

What is Home Health care?

Home Health Care are services received in the home that are provided by skilled professionals.

Who qualifies for home health care?

Anyone who is in need of skilled services and meets the following conditions:

1. 1. You are under the care of a doctor who decides you need medical care at home and makes a plan for your care.
2. 2. You have recently had a change in medication or health condition, recently been in the hospital or had surgery.
3. 3. You are homebound. This means that leaving your home requires taxing effort. When you leave, it is for medical care, or short, infrequent non-medial reasons such as to get a haircut, attend religious services or for adult day care.

Some common needs that would warrant home care are:

• • Wound care
• • Orthopedic surgery
• • Hospitalization
• • Changes in a medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes or lung disease
• • Need for assistance in activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and linen changes
• • Need for education about management of a medical condition
• • Intermittent skilled nursing care

What does homebound mean?

To be homebound means the following:

• • Leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition.
• • Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (such as using a wheelchair or walker, needing special transportation, or getting help from another person).
• • Leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort.

A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, such as attending religious services. You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care, but you would get the home care services in your home.

Cost?

Home Health Care is covered by Medicare and most other private insurances on a case by case basis. Medicaid will pay a reduced rate for personal care assistance. Getting care from a Home Health Agency that is Medicare certified can reduce out-of pocket costs. The Medicare certified Home Health Agency agrees to accept payment from Medicare and only what Medicare approves to pay for services. Although most health plans will cover the cost of Home Health Care, you will need to make sure you meet the requirements and conditions in order to qualify. Most health plans cover the cost of home health care. However, each plan may have certain conditions or criteria that must be met in order to qualify. If you are interested in learning more or finding out if you are covered, please contact your insurance company, or our agency, and we will be happy to contact your insurance company for you.

Do I have a choice of which agency provides my care?

Yes. By law, all doctors and hospitals are required to allow you to choose which home care agency you use. How do I know what services I will need? Your doctor will determine the services you need and write orders for your care. In most cases, your doctor will recommend home health care. From there, a nurse is sent from the agency, and along with the doctor, will determine what services would benefit the patient the most. How often will I receive services in my home? The frequency of visits will depend on the patient's needs and the physician orders. A plan of care is written and discussed with the patient on admission.

How long with the services continue?

Your Home Health professionals will provide services in your home as long as they are medically necessary, based on the assessment of the Home Health professional (registered nurse or therapist), your physician and your progress.

Why should I consider Home Health care?

1. 1. Most often, when we don’t feel well, we would rather be in our own home surrounded by the things we know and love. Having loved ones at home during an illness can promote healing and health. For this reason, getting out of the hospital as soon as possible is what we want most.
2. 2. Home Care allows families to be together and enjoy each other. It can postpone or prevent possible institutionalization.
3. 3. Being in your own surroundings is comforting.
4. 4. Being at home can promote healing and can prevent the stress of having to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings during illness.
5. 5. Being at home diminishes the possibility of risk from such occurrences as infection which can occur during hospitalization.
6. 6. Being at home affords more independence and freedom during the healing process.
7. 7. Home Care is personalized. As the patient, you will receive one-on-one care and individualized attention.
8. 8. In-home care is less costly that most other forms of care, especially lengthy hospitalizations.?