Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about Trinity Home Health Services. For answers to questions not addressed below or for general information, please contact us at 1-877-827-0788.

What is Home Care?

Home Care encompasses a wide range of health and social services. These services are delivered at home to recovering, disabled, or chronically ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social or therapeutic treatment and/or assistance with the essential activities of daily living.

How do I find Home Care services?

Finding the home care provider best suited for your needs requires research, but it is time well spent. Important factors include the quality of care, availability of needed services, personnel training and expertise, and coverage provided by the payer. Before starting a search, it is important to determine which types of services you need. You may wish to consult with your physician, a hospital discharge planner, or a social service organization, such as an Area Office on Aging, for assistance in evaluating your needs. Once you've completed this assessment, you will be able to identify the type of home care provider most appropriate to assist you.

How do I know if Home Care is appropriate for my loved one?

Generally, Home Care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing care that family and friends cannot easily or effectively provide. An increasing number of seniors are choosing to live independently and receive home care services as their physical capabilities diminish.

How do I select the right Home Care provider?

Once you acquire the names of several providers, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations. Following is a checklist of questions to ask providers and other individuals who may know about the provider's track record. Their insight will help you determine which provider is best for you or your loved one.

How long has this provider been serving the community?
Does this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources? Many providers furnish patients with a detailed "Patient Bill of Rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients, and caregivers alike. An annual report and other educational materials also can provide helpful information about the provider.
How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages, and malpractice insurance?
Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient's home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Do they consult the patient's physicians and family members?
Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?
Is the patient's course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and do the caregivers update it as changes occur? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient?
Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the patient and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?
What are the financial procedures of this provider? Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?
What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are its caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?

Who pays for Home Care?

The patient and his or her family can pay for Home Care services directly or through a variety of public and private sources. Public third-party payers include Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Veterans Administration, and Social Services block grant programs. Some community organizations, such as local chapters of the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association, and the National Easter Seal Society, also provide funding to help pay for home care services. Private third-party payers include commercial health insurance companies, managed care organizations, CHAMPUS, and workers' compensation.

Are THHS Home Care services available around the clock?

Home Care services are generally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide on-call availability when needed. Depending on the senior's needs, services may be provided by an individual or a team of specialists on a part-time, intermittent, hourly or shift basis.

Is THHS Medicare certified and licensed?

THHS is Medicare certified and licensed according to state requirements.

Who provides Home Care services?

Home Care teams consist of physicians, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, social workers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, home health aides, homemaker and chore workers, companions and volunteers.

What types of services do Home Care providers deliver?

Home Care services range from professional nursing care to physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapies. An individual's physician usually prescribes services for the treatment of medical conditions. Supportive services, however, do not require a physician's orders.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice Care involves an interdisciplinary team of skilled professionals and volunteers who provide comprehensive medical, psychological, and spiritual care for the terminally ill and support for patients' families. It is based primarily in the home. Trained hospice professionals are available 24 hours a day to assist the family in caring for the patient, ensure that the patient's wishes are honored and keep the patient comfortable and pain free.

Are Hospice Care services covered by insurance?

Hospice Care is reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, HMOs and many private insurance companies. For coverage, a physician must certify that the patient is no longer seeking curative treatments and has less than six months to live. A patient may begin hospice care, become better and leave the service, or become recertified if there is a need to continue services. No one is denied hospice services based on their insurance or financial circumstances.

Does THHS offer services in my area?

THHS serves many counties throughout Michigan, Ohio and California. Please use the "Locate a THHS Agency" button at left or call us toll free at 877-827-0788.