Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used primarily in the treatment of certain mental/mood disorders.
The two primary conditions Latuda is used for are:
Schizophrenia: Latuda can help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Schizophrenia might cause people to seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be frightening to them and others.
Bipolar Disorder: Specifically, Latuda is used in the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression). Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Latuda works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can significantly improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It can also decrease hallucinations and help prevent severe mood swings.
As with all medications, Latuda should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and patients should discuss potential side effects and interactions with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Please note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice about medications and treatment options.
Moving a senior, whether it’s to a smaller home, an assisted living community, or a family member’s home, can be a complex and emotional process. It requires careful planning, consideration of the senior’s physical and mental health, and sensitivity to their emotions and needs. Here are some considerations to keep in mind during the process:
Physical and Mental Health: Seniors may have mobility issues or chronic conditions that could make the moving process more difficult. It’s crucial to consider their physical abilities and limitations when planning the move. This could mean arranging for professional movers who can handle heavier items or ensuring that the new home is accessible and safe. If the senior has cognitive issues, such as dementia, it’s important to communicate the move in a way they can understand and to maintain as much routine and familiarity as possible.
Emotional Well-being: Moving can be a stressful and emotional experience at any age, but it can be especially so for seniors who may be leaving a home full of memories. It’s essential to be sensitive to their feelings and to involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Downsizing: Seniors often move to smaller spaces, which means downsizing. This can be a challenging process, as it involves sorting through a lifetime’s worth of possessions and deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. It’s important to take this process slow and to respect the senior’s feelings about their belongings.
Location: The location of the new home is an important consideration. Is it close to family and friends? Are medical facilities and other essential services nearby? Is it in a community that caters to seniors’ needs and interests?
Financial Considerations: The cost of moving, the price of the new home, and the ongoing costs of living must all be considered. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the senior’s financial situation and to ensure that the move is financially sustainable in the long term.
Legal Issues: Ensure all necessary legal documents are in order. This includes power of attorney, living wills, and health care proxy documents. It might also be necessary to update the senior’s address on various official documents and accounts.
Transition Support: Consider hiring a senior move manager or a geriatric care manager to help with the move. These professionals specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation.
Post-Move Adjustment: Keep in mind that it may take some time for the senior to adjust to their new home. It’s important to provide support and reassurance during this period.
Remember, every senior’s situation is unique. Patience, empathy, and open communication are essential throughout the moving process to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.
A massage chair is a great investment for those who seek relief from stress and body pain. It is a chair designed to give the user a massage experience, with the use of electronic vibrators and motors that imitate the movements of a human masseuse. The following are some of the benefits of a massage chair:
Relieves stress and tension: A massage chair provides relaxation to the muscles, helping to reduce stress and tension in the body. It is also known to lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.
Promotes better posture: Sitting in a massage chair helps to align the spine, which can improve posture. Regular use of a massage chair can also help to correct postural imbalances that result from prolonged sitting or standing.
Reduces muscle soreness and stiffness: A massage chair can alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the muscles. This can help to reduce muscle inflammation and promote healing.
Enhances flexibility and range of motion: A massage chair can help to improve flexibility and range of motion by loosening up tight muscles and increasing blood flow. This can also help to reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.
Boosts immune function: Regular use of a massage chair has been shown to improve immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells that fight off disease and infection.
Provides convenience: With a massage chair, you can enjoy the benefits of a massage in the comfort of your own home, at any time that suits you. This can be a more convenient and cost-effective option than regular visits to a massage therapist.
In conclusion, a massage chair is an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. It offers a range of benefits, from stress relief and muscle relaxation to improved immune function and convenience.
Portrait of an elementary school student with a toothy smile
Independent schools, often referred to as private schools, offer a unique and valuable educational experience to their students. These institutions typically operate outside the purview of government regulation and funding, affording them the freedom to design and implement innovative curricula, pedagogies, and programs that cater to the diverse needs of their student body. In this article, we will explore the myriad benefits of independent schools and how they contribute to the holistic development of their students.
Personalized Learning
One of the most significant advantages of independent schools is the ability to offer personalized learning experiences. Because they are not bound by standardized curricula, these schools can tailor their educational programs to meet the unique needs, abilities, and interests of each student. This individualized approach allows students to progress at their own pace, maximizing their potential and fostering a love of learning.
Small Class Sizes
Independent schools often boast smaller class sizes compared to their public counterparts. This means that students receive more one-on-one attention from their teachers, leading to better understanding, higher engagement, and stronger relationships between students and educators. Smaller class sizes also facilitate deeper discussions and opportunities for collaboration, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Highly Qualified Educators
Independent schools typically have the flexibility to hire and retain highly qualified teachers who are passionate about their subject areas and committed to their students’ success. These educators often possess advanced degrees, specialized training, and a wealth of experience in their respective fields. The result is an enriched learning environment where students benefit from the expertise and enthusiasm of their teachers.
Broad and Diverse Curricular Offerings
Independent schools are known for offering a wide range of academic, artistic, and athletic programs. This diversity not only provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new talents, but it also fosters a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success in college and beyond. Whether it’s advanced placement courses, a robust arts program, or competitive sports teams, independent schools offer students the chance to grow and excel in a variety of areas.
Focus on Character and Values
Many independent schools place a strong emphasis on character education and the development of core values, such as integrity, respect, responsibility, and empathy. These institutions often have a mission or philosophy that guides their approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that students receive not only an excellent academic education but also the tools and guidance needed to become responsible, compassionate global citizens.
Strong Sense of Community
Independent schools often foster close-knit communities that extend beyond the classroom. With smaller student populations, students, teachers, and parents are more likely to form strong, supportive relationships. This sense of belonging and camaraderie can greatly enhance a student’s educational experience, helping them feel safe, valued, and connected to their peers and educators.
Opportunities for Parental Involvement
Parents of students in independent schools often have more opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. From attending parent-teacher conferences and volunteering in the classroom to participating in school events and fundraisers, independent schools encourage strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and administrators. This level of involvement not only strengthens the school community but also allows parents to take an active role in their child’s educational journey.
College Preparation and Counseling
Independent schools are known for their commitment to preparing students for college and beyond. Many institutions offer comprehensive college counseling services that help students identify their strengths, explore their interests, and select the best-fit colleges for their academic and personal goals. With guidance from experienced counselors, independent school students often experience higher college acceptance rates and greater success in their post-secondary endeavors.
Networking Opportunities
Attending an independent school often provides students with valuable networking opportunities, both during their time at the school and after graduation. Independent schools frequently attract a diverse array of students from various backgrounds, allowing students to establish connections with peers who may go on to become leaders in their respective fields. Additionally, many independent schools have strong alumni networks that can offer mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities long after students have graduated.
Flexibility and Innovation
Independent schools have the freedom to adapt quickly to new ideas, trends, and educational research. This flexibility allows them to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, offering cutting-edge programs and teaching methods that best serve the evolving needs of their students. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that independent school students receive a dynamic, future-focused education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.
Independent schools provide a wealth of benefits to their students, from personalized learning experiences and highly qualified educators to diverse curricular offerings and a strong sense of community. These institutions prioritize the holistic development of each student, fostering not only academic excellence but also character, values, and a lifelong love of learning. By offering a dynamic, future-focused education that caters to the unique needs and interests of each student, independent schools empower young people to become well-rounded, compassionate leaders who are equipped to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex world.
Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is a medication commonly prescribed to people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs. This medication has proven to be a lifesaver for many individuals, providing relief from symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Albuterol is available in various forms, including inhalers, nebulizers, and tablets. The most commonly used form is the metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which delivers a specific amount of medication directly into the lungs. This allows for rapid relief from symptoms, often within minutes. Nebulizers, on the other hand, convert the liquid medication into a fine mist that is inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. Tablets and extended-release tablets are taken orally and are primarily used for long-term management of symptoms.
The effectiveness of albuterol in treating respiratory conditions can be attributed to its ability to bind to beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle lining the bronchi and bronchioles. This binding stimulates an increase in intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which in turn causes the relaxation of airway smooth muscles. The subsequent bronchodilation provides relief from constriction and obstruction of the airways, allowing patients to breathe more easily.
While albuterol is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include tremors, nervousness, headache, dizziness.
Photo of happy lad playing with heirloom toy airplane outside
Heirloom toys are special because they can be passed down from one generation to the next generation. They often hold great sentimental value, and yet, they can be a lot of fun to play with too.
One of my favorite personal heirloom is my great-grandmother’s rocking chair. It’s really old and it has a lot of wear and tear, but it’s still so comfortable to sit in. I love spending time in it, and I feel like I’m connected to my great-grandmother whenever I use it.
An heirloom toy that I really enjoy is my grandfather’s yo-yo. He used to play with it all the time when he was a kid, and now I get to connect with him while playing with it too. It’s fun to try and do the tricks that I used to watch him do. It brings back some great memories.
Do you have any special heirloom toys that you enjoy?
The benefits of heirloom toys are many. First and foremost, is the sentimental value, this is special to me. As mentioned, they can also be a lot of fun to play with, and they can help connect us to our ancestors or loved ones. Additionally, heirloom toys are a great way to teach our kids about history and our family’s traditions. Overall, heirloom toys are a unique and special part of our lives, and we should cherish them!
Heirloom toys are often made of materials that are durable and can last for generations. This includes materials like wood, metal, and cloth. They can also be made of more delicate materials like glass or porcelain, which can add to their specialness.
Heirloom toys should be passed down from one generation to the next, or they can be given as gifts. Either way, they are a great way to keep our family’s history and traditions alive. If you are lucky enough to have an heirloom toy, cherish it!
Heirloom toys are a unique and special part of our lives, and we are lucky to have them. They often have invoke memories and unique value, which is very special. They are a lot of fun to play with, and they can help connect us to our ancestors or loved ones from long ago. Additionally, heirloom toys can be a great way to teach our kids family’s traditions.
There are many different design principles that can be followed when creating a website. However, not all of these principles may be applicable to every website. It is important to consider the purpose of the website and the target audience before deciding which design principles to follow.
Some basic web design principles that are often followed include simplicity, usability, and visual appeal. These principles help to create a website that is easy to use and navigate for users, while also providing them with information in an visually appealing way.
Simplicity
One of the most important design principles to follow is simplicity. A website should be easy for users to understand and use. This means that the layout should be clean and uncluttered, and navigation should be easy to follow. Information should be presented in a clear and concise way, without being overwhelming.
Usability
Another important design principle is usability. A website should be easy for users to navigate and find the information they are looking for. The navigation should be intuitive and easy to use. Users should be able to quickly find the information they need without difficulty.
Visual Appeal
In addition to simplicity and usability, another important design principle is visual appeal. Websites should be visually appealing so that users will want to stay on the site and explore its content. The color scheme, imagery, and overall layout of the site should be pleasing to the eye.
When designing a website, it is important to consider all of these design principles. By keeping these principles in mind, you can create a website that is both user-friendly and visually appealing.
When looking for a web design company, it is important to consider the principles mentioned above. The company should be able to create a website that is simple and easy to use, while also being visually appealing. The company should also be able to create a website that meets the specific needs of your business.
It is also important to consider the cost of the services offered by the company. Make sure you are getting good value for your money. Ask for references from previous clients and review the company’s portfolio to get a better idea of their work.
When choosing a web design company, make sure you consider the principles of simplicity, usability, and visual appeal. The company should be able to create a website that is both user-friendly and visually appealing. The company should also be able to create a website that meets the specific needs of your business.
Make sure you are getting good value for your money by asking for references from previous and review the company’s portfolio. Choose a web design company that can create a website that is simple, easy to use, and visually appealing. The company should also be able to create a website that meets the specific needs of your business.
When looking for a web design company, it is important to consider principles such as simplicity, usability, and visual appeal. The company should be able to create a website that is both user-friendly and visually appealing. The company should also be able to create a website that meets the specific needs of your business.
It is also important to consider the cost of the services offered by the company. Make sure you are getting good value for your money by asking for references from previous clients and reviewing the company’s portfolio.
Choose a web design company that can create a website that is simple, easy to use, and visually appealing. The company should also be able to create a website that meets the specific needs of your business. By considering all of these factors, you can be sure to find a web design company that will provide you with great website for your business.
Few things strike fear into homeowners like finding water on the basement floor for the first time. It is a legitimate concern as it can indicate bigger problems and should be taken seriously. Why and how water is coming up through the basement floor can vary, so some investigation is needed before panicking.
Before you enter your basement, evaluate the danger. Any plugs, outlets, or appliances in or near water can conduct electricity, so it’s critical to turn off the power supply and then get a flashlight to do some investigation.
Next, confirm that the water is coming up from the basement floor and not dripping down from any pipes above. Once you’re sure it’s not flooding from pipework, you can determine the cause of the leak.
Common Causes of Flooding
There are a few questions to consider first:
Does your area have known groundwater issues with basements and foundations?
Have you had heavy rain or fast-melting snow lately?
Is there a burst city pipe or construction by your property?
Have you had wind or other weather issues that could have moved where downspouts are dumping rainwater?
Have any pipes under the concrete burst?
Groundwater and the Water Table
If water is not from pipes and plumbing, the leading cause of basement groundwater is the water table rising. The water table is where water saturation begins in soil, but it is not static, and it rises and falls depending on weather and seasons. For example, the water table near a lake is much higher and closer to the ground surface than in a plateau or desert area, and it rises quickly in poor weather, like flooding or seasonal snow melting.
With floods and snow melt the water saturation continues to increase, and water level in the soil keeps rising until it eventually meets the ground surface. If your basement is in the way, and there are any structural deficiencies or cracks in the concrete, then your basement becomes the path of least resistance, and the groundwater goes there.
Rising groundwater causes hydrostatic pressure, which causes soil to push on your basement walls and floor. This can cause cracks to form in basement concrete, particularly in wet seasons, and is usually why there’s water in your basement after rain.
Water Entry Points
If groundwater and flooding are causing your basement water problems, it can be hard to identify where the water is entering the basement. Hydrostatic pressure makes water look for the easiest way into your basement. So, what’s failing and where? Things like mold, efflorescence, mildew and stains can indicate where a water problem has been coming from over a longer period, but they won’t be there if this is a new problem for you.
Here are several points of entry that could be the source of your water issues:
Window wells: These are intended to help more light come into the basement while keeping dirt and water away from the window. Unfortunately, they can become blocked or filled with debris over time, and if they are not draining well, water will make its way through flaws in the construction.
Wall cracks: This can be serious. A crack in the wall can be a structural problem with the foundation, and everything in your home depends on foundation’s integrity. If water gets into the crack and the temperature drops, the water can freeze and further increase the crack. Hydraulic cement can be a very good patching solution, it is best to consult with a professional to guarantee that the foundation integrity has not been compromised.
Honeycomb concrete: Poorly mixed concrete that was poured for your foundation can cause air pockets to form that can eventually give way under hydrostatic pressure. This gives water entry points of all sizes in random spots.
Mortar joints: These are often found in older homes, mortar can eventually crumble or deteriorate, losing water resistance. This is a problem that can be repaired, but it can indicate multiple leaks, and each is quite hard to diagnose, as the cracks can be small and tricky to locate.
Dealing With Water in the Basement
Basement leak repair can be expensive. If you have cracks in your basement floor, and it’s because of hydrostatic pressure, the good news is that it can be mitigated, but it will be costly. Installing drain tile is the best solution. Concrete is cut to install a network of piping that guides the water build-up away from possible entry points into your basement. It relieves the pressure and saves your slab.
Waterproofing your walls and concrete floor is another good option. While there are products you can apply yourself, it is very labor intensive. You will need topatch all cracks first and then wire-scrub and clean all surfaces so the proofing sticks properly. Waterproofing is not as effective unless the exterior is also done, which must be completed by a waterproofing professional.
Outside Solutions to Leaky Basements
If the problem isn’t coming up from the underground water table, it is coming down to the basement, and a big cause of that is weeping and perimeter water damage. The primary cause can be clogged gutters. Debris blocking proper drainage down gutters means the water is overflowing and seeping down along your home’s perimeter and saturating the soil by your basement walls.
After that, consider the grading. Is your property’s pitch leading away from the house or leading to it? Some simple landscaping lets you alter the path water takes, easily guiding it away from your home.
Maintain Your Plumbing
Sewer and water lines are big offenders in water damage of any kind in homes because they can clog and back up, creating water or waste leaks. Worse still, they can crack and break under pressure, creating a very expensive repair. Be proactive in your efforts to avoid this and have a professional flush your lines every 18 to 24 months. Warning signs are when water starts to drain slowly, or you hear gurgling in the pipes.
Never flush wipes even if they claim to be flushable. Never pour fats, oils, starches or coffee grinds down drains. Nothing larger than a pea should go down the kitchen sink.
While it might be inconvenient to not pour things down the drain, repairing plumbing can be one of the most expensive problems homeowners deal with, depending how pervasive it is. Practicing good habits with what goes down may help prevent what comes out or up.
Face painting has become such a great entertainment option for children’s parties. It’s also not just kid’s parties – face painters are a big hit at adult birthday bashes, wedding showers, and baby showers (belly painting, anyone?!) You can hire a professional painter for birthday parties, Sweet 16s, bat and bar mitzvahs, festivals, school events, holiday parties, corporate parties, and more. Many face painting pros can provide other types of entertainment including costumed guests (like Elsa or Olaf), clowns balloon creatures, caricature artists, and magicians. Sometimes you may even be able to secure a discount on party entertainment services if you book multiple entertainers from the same company.
Professional face painting is interactive and fun way to not only keeps people entertained, but also doubles as a party favor
The majority of face painters have an hourly rate or set price for their services. The artist’s hourly rate can vary depending on a number of factors including the age and number of guests, what they are painting (just cheeks, half or full-face designs) and location. Full face designs may come with a higher price than cheek or half face designs, as they require more face paint. The location of your event can also impact the price, as artists may travel depending on distance traveled. When you are booking a face painting professional, you will need to let them know how many guests to expect and what the age range will be. Young children under the age of 5 tend to take longer to paint, they are usually much more squirmy than older kids! Once you have provided the details of the event, the artist will estimate how many faces they can paint per hour and how long it will take for them to paint everyone in attendance.
Let your artist know if you have a particular theme or color scheme for your party. This allows them to prepare design, colors and embellishments to compliment your event. Your princess party will likely not require the same supplies as a dinosaur superhero party. If you have any preference on what the artist should wear, make sure to discuss that with them in advance.
There are several cost factors that going into hiring a face painter, including:
Hours
Most face painting artists charge hourly rates. Their hourly rate takes into account business overhead (like insurance and taxes), the cost of materials (face paint, brushes, etc.), prep time for parties (including research and practice designs), special outfits or costumes they wear, the cost of travel and transportation, and actual time they spend painting faces at your party. Like most services, the longer you want to book your face painter for your event, the higher the total cost will be. Some face painting professionals offer discounts for longer events, so it’s best to ask how their rates vary depending on party length.
Typically face painters require a minimum number of hours for their services. This ensures that their operating costs are covered when they accept a job, put on their costume or work clothes, pack up their paints, and get to your location.
Variable Rates
Some face painting professionals may charge a variable rate for their services. For example, an artist might charge an average $85-$125 per hour depending on the number of people, travel distance to the event and the type of service provided. In order to avoid surprises the day of your event, be sure you clearly understand how your face painter charges.
Set Rates
Professional face painters may offer a set hours rate that is not dependant on the number of guests or types of designs. Additional fees may still apply for travel, so be sure to clarify all charges. Some examples of set rate pricing would like like:
Artist A: $75 per hour, within service area
Artist B: $125 per hour, with a two-hour minimum
Artist C: Starts at $115 per hour
Travel
Often reflected in the cost for services will be time and expense required for travel to an even. Some artists may charge a higher price per hour or a separate travel fee or require a minimum number of hours for attending an event. For example, an artist may stipulate a minimum of 2 hours for any event over 50 miles away.
Full-Face Vs. Cheek Painting
Often times cheek art will require less time and less paint per guest than half-face or full-face art. When offering a price estimate, your artist will determine which service you prefer for your event and quote a higher or lower hourly rate that is appropriate for what you’re looking to have at your party. Face painting pros use professional products that blend well and have gorgeous color. The materials cost more than the cheap face paints you may have bought at the craft or Halloween stores, and they also look much better. If you are looking to have very large or intricate designs, this will affect the cost. These types of designs will use more materials and the more elaborate the design, the fewer faces painted per hour.
Community Events and Festivals
Having a face painter at your festival, fundraiser or charity event is great entertainment option. When you are organizing a large event where you will not be covering expenses for attendees, you can pay the set-up fee for an artist, and then your guests can pay an individual fee for face painting.
For example, an artist may charge a small setup cost to organizers of large fairs, then charge each customer $5-$20 depending on the type design they request. As usually, cheek painting costs less than full-face or half-face painting. As the event organizer, you can avoid the burden of the face painter’s full hourly rate while still providing entertainment for your guests. On average, artists can paint approximately 15 faces per hour, depending on the age of the guests and the designs requested.
Safety
Face paint and novelty makeup is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure its ingredients are safe for direct application on your skin, including children’s skin. If you want more information about the safety of specific ingredients, it is recommended you do additional research.
If your child has allergies, sensitive skin, or has never had face paint before, use extra caution to avoid rashes and adverse reactions.
Removing face paint
If you are a party host providing face painting for all the kids — big or little — be sure to tell your guests how to safely remove the paint once the festivities are done. According to the FDA, leaving face paint on overnight can lead to possible skin or eye irritation. Ask your face painter to let each guest (or their parent) know the appropriate way to remove that brand of paint once the party’s over. The FDA explains that it’s important to follow directions to the letter: use cold cream if the directions say so, or soap and water, or eye makeup remover. Each company uses different formulas for their novelty makeup and has researched the appropriate way to safely remove it.
If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to get out and about, home healthcare could be a more comfortable, cost-effective, and effective option.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) may sometimes cover medical care provided to you at home if you are homebound. Following an illness or injury, Medicare may pay for some in-home assistance with your daily needs for a limited time.
However, if you need long-term assistance with everyday tasks in your home, you should be aware that Medicare usually does not cover those services.
Is there any coverage for caregivers under Medicare?
The type of treatment you need, the reason you need care, and the amount of time you’ll need it all determine if Medicare will cover in-home caregivers.
Health treatment delivered to your home
If any of the above applies to you and you’re homebound due to an illness or accident, you can use Medicare home health benefits:
You are only allowed to leave the house for brief outings, such as to the doctor or religious services. One exception: if you go to adult day care, you will always get in-home care.
The doctor confirms that you need at-home treatment and drafts a plan detailing the services you will need.
You need professional nursing assistance (less than 8 hours per day and no more than 28 hours per week, for up to 3 weeks).
Your doctor believes your condition will improve in a fair, or at the very least predictable, time frame.
•You’ll need a professional physical, occupational, or speech therapist to come up with a plan to help you improve, preserve your current health, or avoid getting worse.
You need a home health aide to help care for you while you recover.
The home health agency providing your care is Medicare-approved or certified.
You must see your doctor less than 90 days before or 30 days after you begin accessing home healthcare services to be eligible for in-home treatment.
What types of services will I get at home?
Medicare provides a wide range of programs, some of which can be delivered right to your door. Some programs and the Medicare regulations that apply to them are mentioned below.
Physical therapy
If you see a physical therapist in your house, Medicare is likely to provide the following services:
assessment of your condition
gait training and exercises to help you recover from surgery, injuries, illnesses, or neurological conditions like stroke
postoperative wound care
wound care for injuries, burns, or lesions
Occupational therapy
If you are treated at home by an occupational therapist, you can continue to receive the following services:
assistance in developing regular schedules for taking drugs, meal preparation, and personal care.
showing you how to carry out everyday tasks safely
assisting you in regaining the ability to work, considering your needs and condition
assisting you in carrying out your doctor’s orders
Speech therapy
Here are some of the services you can receive if a speech therapist visits you at home:
education about alternative ways to talk if you can’t understand
education about different ways to communicate if you’ve lost your hearing
therapy to help you recover the ability to swallow
therapy to help you eat and drink as naturally as possible
Nursing assistance
If a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse visits you at home to provide treatment, they may:
change your wound dressings
change your catheter
inject medications
administer IV drugs
teach you how to use your drugs and take care of yourself
Home Health Aides
In contrast, home health aides are more likely to assist you with the following services:
checking that you’re eating and drinking in a healthy way, such as tracking your vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
ensuring that you’re taking your drugs as prescribed
determining if your home is safe for you, given your needs and condition
Other Services
In-home social services may also be available to you. If you qualify, you may receive assistance in locating community services to assist you in adjusting to your condition. You may also undergo social, mental, or psychological therapy as a result of your illness.
In-home Custodial Care
Caregivers who assist you with activities of daily life are normally not covered by Medicare unless they are required for a limited time as you recover from an illness or injury.
Food delivery or preparation, shopping, washing, housekeeping or cleaning, assistance bathing and dressing, and assistance using the toilet are all examples of custodial care. If these are the only services you need, Medicare will not pay for a caregiver to provide them in your home.
Medicare has a website to help you locate a home health agency in your region.. If you’ve found a local provider, you can use Medicare’s home health agency checklist to see whether they’ll have the quality of treatment you need.
Your state survey department maintains an up-to-date study on the quality of home healthcare services provided. To find the phone number or email address of the agency in your state, consult Medicare’s resource guide or the survey agency list.
You can only receive treatment from one home health agency at a time if you have Medicare. You will need a new recommendation from your doctor if you plan to switch agencies. You will also need to inform your old agency that you’re switching providers.
If you just need custodial treatment including housekeeping and personal care, Medicare won’t pay for an in-home caregiver. If it’s medically necessary and your doctor certifies that you’re homebound, Medicare can cover some short-term custodial care.
If you’re homebound due to surgery, sickness, or accident, Medicare will cover home health services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, professional nursing care, and social services.
Your doctor must sign off on the services as medically required, and your home health agency must be Medicare-approved.