FAQ & Useful Links
Patient FAQ
What is home care?
Home care includes a wide range of health care services that take place in a patient’s home. These services may be necessary if you are recovering from a hospital stay, if you are disabled or chronically ill, or if you need nursing care, social services, or assistance with activities of daily living on an ongoing basis.
The goal of home care is to help you recover from an illness or injury, regain or maintain independence, and manage your condition outside of a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Home care services include:
- Wound care for a surgical incision or bedsores
- Intravenous therapy or nutrition therapy
- Monitoring a serious illness
- Providing education and support to family caregivers
- Hospice care
- Assistance bathing, dressing, and eating
What is Private Care?
Private care is home care that you pay for privately, out of your own pocket or with long-term care insurance.
Many patients and their families choose to pay for private home health care out-of-pocket. First, paying out-of-pocket gives you greater flexibility in the type and amount of services you order. In some cases, a patient’s Medicare coverage or other private insurance coverage may not pay for all of the home health care services you need or want. It may be that the benefits have been exhausted, or perhaps the patient’s medical needs do not qualify them for covered home care services. Second, you can avoid the restrictions and limits of programs provided by the government or private insurers. Finally, paying for home care may be a less costly alternative to a nursing home or assisted living placement.
What is the difference between a nurse and an HHA?
A registered nurse (RN) is licensed by the State Education Department to assist in activities of daily living and perform skilled nursing care and usually is the graduate of a diploma nursing, community college or four-year bachelor’s degree program.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is licensed by the State Education Department to assist in activities of daily living as well as some skilled nursing needs and usually has an associate degree from a community college.
A home health aide is trained and certified by a New York State Department of Health approved training program to assist in activities of daily living.
What services does CHCS offer?
Skilled nursing care, private duty nursing, home health aide, personal care assistant, homemaker, and housekeeper. CHCS is licensed by the NYS DOH to deliver a range of therapies that includes: Audiology, Dietary Nutrition, Medical Social Worker, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy and Speech Therapy. CHCS offers care management and coordination of services.
What is infusion therapy?
Infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. Typically, “infusion therapy” means that a drug is administered intravenously.
What are the potential benefits of home infusion?
Home infusion is safe, comfortable, and convenient making it a preferred method of therapy for those looking to recover at home especially after a major medical event or have compromised immune systems.
Another benefit of home infusion is the ability for our patients to return to their normal daily activities. For many, this means returning to work, caring for family members or going on vacation. Many insurance companies consider home infusion a more cost-efficient therapy than receiving infusions in a hospital or clinic therefore lowering the patient’s financial responsibility.
Will I or someone in my family have to give my medication?
A CHCS nurse will come to your home and train the individual giving the medication on the proper technique and system for administration. A nurse will always be available if a situation occurs, however most patients can be taught to administer medication safely and effectively.
What do I do if I have a question or problem?
In case of emergency, always call 911 immediately. f you have a question or a problem, concerning your home care please call us at 718 528-5493. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. If you are calling after normal business hours, there will be either a nurse or pharmacist on call. Simply leave your information with our answering service and they will promptly page someone to call you.
Patients Useful links
Home Care National Patient Safety Goals (include hyperlink)
Comprehensive guide issued by The Joint Commission.
Joint Commission International Center For Patient Safety (include hyperlink)
The Joint Commission is independent and nonprofit, and strives to set standards in health care for the nation. The website enforces solutions for patient safety, and several of its website divisions are patients and families, WHO Collaborating Center for Patient Safety Solutions, and patient safety goals.
Patient Safety Institute (include hyperlink)
The Patient Safety Institute is non-profit and led by consumer, hospital, and physician advocates. It works to allow healthcare providers access to Personal Healthcare Records (with permission). The website offers news, resources, and various articles.
The National Patient Safety Foundation
As a central voice for patient safety, NPSF is committed to a collaborative, inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach in all that it does. NPSF is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.