Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Home Health Services?
Home Health Services covers a broad range of in-home health services/home care that include nursing, rehabilitation therapy, medical social work, home health aides, and nutritional support. To be covered by your insurance, services must be ordered by your physician and must be medically necessary to maintain or improve your health condition. Services are usually provided on a per visit basis.

2. How do I qualify for home health services?
To qualify for home health services from our Agency you must reside in the borough of Brooklyn. If you have difficulty leaving home, had a recent change in your medical condition or medical treatment, or had a recent or past hospitalization you may qualify for home health services.

3. Do I have to be in the hospital to get home health services?
You do not have to be hospitalized to receive home health services. Patients often receive home health services as an alternative to hospitalization.

4. Do I have to pay for home health services?
TBHC Home Health Services accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Call and our staff will be happy to help you identify your plans benefits. Please keep in mind that each insurance policy is different and must be reviewed for it’s home health coverage.

5. What's the difference between skilled care and custodial care?
Skilled care is provided by a nurse or licensed therapist and the need for which is usually short term. Examples include administering medications, injections, performing wound care, and therapeutic exercises. Custodial care is primarily for the purpose of assisting an individual in activities of daily living or in meeting their personal needs rather than medical needs. It is care that is generally provided by family or unlicensed individuals. Examples include assistance with bathing, dressing, and feeding.

6. Can I get someone who speaks my language?
We will make every effort to provide a home care worker who speaks your language but if no such person is available our language bank will assist with translation.

7. How long will the service(s) last?
For as long as medically necessary or until the intended goals are achieved. Each patient’s plan of care is tailored to that individual's specific health care need.

8. How soon can home health services start?
Within 24 hours of hospital discharge or physician referral or as otherwise specified by your primary physician.

9. Do I have to be under the care of a physician to get home health services?
Yes. From the onset your physician partners with TBHC Home Health Services staff to develop your individualized plan of care. Your physician periodically reviews the plan of care, tailors it as needed, to ensure that your health care needs are being met.