If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, your doctor may have included physical therapy as part of your care plan. Usually, you would have to go to a physical therapist's clinic for your treatment. With home health physical therapy, your treatment comes to you—which can be more convenient and easier to access.
However, not everyone is eligible or qualifies for home health physical therapy. Let's learn more.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) aims to improve your strength, mobility, and ability to do everyday activities. It's designed to help when medical problems or health issues make it hard for you to move around or do things you need to do.
Who needs physical therapy at home?
Depending on your circumstances, getting to a physical therapy clinic can be difficult. You might have trouble walking, driving, or even getting out of bed. You may require the use of an assistive device, like a wheelchair, walker or cane. In any case, this is where home health physical therapy can help. It brings the care you need right to your doorstep.
Home health physical therapy can be a great option if you've had:
- Surgery on your bones or joints, like a knee or hip replacement
- Trouble with balance or falls
- A recent heart attack
- Difficulty walking or moving around
- Pain after an injury, illness or surgery
- A stroke that's affected your ability to use your arms or legs
- A flare-up of a long-term condition like heart failure, COPD or diabetes
Do I qualify for home health services?
Let's keep it simple. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need regular care from a healthcare provider to manage your health?
- Have you been to the hospital or emergency room more than once recently?
- Do you have a long-term condition like heart failure, diabetes or COPD that you need help managing?
- Do your ankles or feet often swell up?
- Is it hard for you to leave your house or walk around?
- Do you get out of breath with just a little bit of activity?
- Do you have trouble bathing or getting around your home?
- Have your medications changed recently?
- Do you take multiple medications each day?
- Do you need guidance on how and when to take your medication?
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Have you had a fall that caused a skin injury, broken bone or head injury?
- Have you lost or gained an unusual amount of weight within a short time?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might qualify for home health.
But there's one more important thing to know: for services to be covered by insurance like Medicare, you need to be considered “homebound.”
What does "homebound" mean?
Medicare considers you homebound if:
- It is difficult for you to leave home, and you typically cannot do so.
- You need the help of another person or medical equipment—such as crutches, a walker or a wheelchair—to leave home.
Don't worry—you can still leave home for medical treatment or non-medical events of an infrequent or short duration (like religious services, family events and/or to attend a licensed or accredited adult day care center) without putting your homebound status at risk.
What can I expect from home health physical therapy?
When our physical therapist visits you for the first time, they'll conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes reviewing your current condition, health history and medications, as well as discussing your health and activity goals. Your therapist will take all this information and create a customized exercise and activity plan to help improve your strength, balance and mobility. The therapist will then come to your home regularly (the frequency depends on your needs) to work with you.
How is home health physical therapy different from outpatient PT?
While they sound similar, there are a few key differences between physical therapy at home and what is available in a hospital or clinic setting.
- Location: The most obvious difference is that home health PT happens in your home, while outpatient PT requires you to go to a clinic or hospital.
- Equipment: Outpatient clinics often have more specialized equipment. Home health PTs use portable equipment and items you have at home.
- Focus: Home health PT often includes a broader focus on your overall health and how to live independently in your home environment, not just your specific injury or condition.
- Qualification: You need to be homebound to qualify for home health PT, but not for outpatient PT.
How do I get started with home health physical therapy?
If you think you might benefit from home health physical therapy, here are your next steps:
Discuss your situation with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help determine if home health PT is right for you and provide a referral if so.
Choose a home health agency that prioritizes your care and well-being. CenterWell Home Health® offers a patient-centered approach that goes beyond basic care to provide you the personalized, comprehensive care you need to rehabilitate and recover.
Check your insurance plan to ensure it covers home health physical therapy if you meet the eligibility requirements.
How CenterWell Home Health can help
Our team at CenterWell Home Health doesn't just focus on your immediate physical therapy needs. We consider your overall health and well-being to provide truly comprehensive care. Every person is unique. Which is why our personalized treatment plans are designed to meet your specific goals and improve your quality of life. CenterWell Home Health also works closely with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care and the best possible outcomes. The main goal is to help you regain your independence.
Have more questions about home health physical therapy? Don't hesitate to reach out to CenterWell Home Health. Our nurses are ready and available 24/7 to help you understand your options and get the high-quality care you need to thrive at home.
If you don't have a primary care provider and are interested in learning more about CenterWell Senior Primary Care®, use this convenient search tool to find a location near you. CenterWell's care team takes the time to talk about your individual health needs and create a tailored plan to help you live a healthier, happier life.