When a loved one is coming home from the hospital, finishing a rehab stay, or simply needing more support than before, the questions come quickly. What kind of care makes sense? Who pays for it? Can we stay together? Here are clear answers to the questions families ask most about home health care, recovery and staying connected.

What is the difference between assisted living and home health care?

Good Shepherd’s assisted living options in Sauk Rapids and at Shepherd of Grace Community in Becker combine housing with activities, personal assistance and access to support 24 hours a day. Good Shepherd Home Health Care brings intermittent skilled services, such as nursing or therapy, to someone’s private home or senior apartment. Home health care supports people where they live, but it does not provide housing, activities, meal options or continuous supervision.

Can someone return home after short term rehabilitation?

Absolutely. Helping someone recover and return home safely is often the goal of short term rehabilitation at Good Shepherd. Our care and therapy teams work with each individual to rebuild strength, mobility and everyday skills while planning for a safe discharge. Depending on the person’s needs, recovery may continue through Good Shepherd Home Health Care or outpatient therapy after leaving a skilled nursing facility.

Who pays for home health care?

Good Shepherd Home Health Care is Medicare certified. Medicare may cover eligible services when care is ordered by a health care provider, the individual needs intermittent skilled support and meets Medicare’s homebound requirements. Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, veterans’ benefits, private insurance or personal funds may also cover certain services.

Coverage can be confusing, and every situation is different. Contact Good Shepherd Home Health Care, and our team can help you understand the referral process, available services and questions to ask your insurance provider.

How quickly can Good Shepherd Home Health Care begin after a hospital stay?

Our team works with the hospital, referring provider and family to begin care as quickly and safely as possible. Once a complete referral has been received and accepted, a Medicare certified home health agency generally must complete the initial assessment within 48 hours of the referral, within 48 hours of the patient returning home or on the practitioner ordered start date.

The actual start of care may depend on the person’s needs, insurance authorization, referral information and staffing availability. Involving Good Shepherd Home Health Care early in the discharge planning process can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Can someone receive Good Shepherd Home Health Care while living in a senior apartment?

Yes. For home health purposes, a senior apartment is considered the person’s home. Someone who qualifies may receive nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy or other covered services in their apartment, allowing them to receive added support without having to travel from where they live. Care must be ordered, medically necessary and coordinated with the individual’s residential and medical teams.

Can couples stay together if one person needs more assistance?

Often, yes. One of the advantages of Good Shepherd’s continuum is that couples may have options even when their needs are different. Our team looks at each person individually and works with the couple to find the safest arrangement that keeps them as connected as possible. Whether they can share an apartment depends on their assessments, available accommodations and the level of support each person requires.

Not sure where to begin?

Call Good Shepherd Community to talk through your questions or schedule a tour. Whether you are planning ahead, preparing for a hospital discharge or responding to a recent change, our team can help you understand the options and identify the next step. Visit www.goodshepherdcampus.org or call our Welcome Center at (320) 259-3476. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.