Home Health Care Agencies

Home health care services can be very helpful for people with cancer and their families. Home care is a general term, and can mean anything from one nursing visit to a complex home program with multiple services. The plan of care depends on the patient’s diagnosis, specific needs, and resources to meet them.  Your insurance company may also contract with a specific agency, which will then provide your care. Services can be arranged in any county within the state of New York, as well as out of state.

There are three basic levels of home health services available. Which one you choose depends on how acutely ill you are and how much help you need with activities of daily living. Your doctor or social worker can help determine the level of home health services that will best meet your needs.

Skilled Home Health Services: Nursing care (including intravenous therapy, chemotherapy, and wound care), home health aide services, and physical, speech, and occupational therapies. Most Medicare-certified home health agencies can provide these services to acutely ill patients on a per-visit basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most insurance companies cover skilled home health services.

Supportive Services: Personal care, food shopping and preparation, light housekeeping, ambulation, companionship, and child supervision. Services may be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as many hours as needed. Insurance generally does not cover this "custodial" level of care, but you should check with your own insurance company.

Nursing Registries: Nursing care on a shift basis (instead of a per visit basis). Coverage again depends on your insurance company.

There are three New York State certified home health care agencies in Monroe County. These agencies have met state health department requirements and employ community health nurses. In addition to providing nursing, they also have home health aides whose primary focus is to assist with personal care needs, such as bathing and walking. Other services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, and medical equipment/supplies.

Agencies

Home Care of Rochester
85 Metro Park
Rochester, NY 14623
585-272-1930
www.homecarerochester.com
Cardiopulmonary, comfort care, infusion therapy, supplies.

Lifetime Care Home Health and Hospice
3111 South Winton Road
Rochester, NY 14623
585-214-1000
www.lifetimecare.org
Enriched care and hospice, infusion therapy, supplies; Home Care Plus (private pay).

Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County
2180 Empire Blvd.
Webster, NY 14580
585-787-2233
www.vnsnet.com
Supportive care, hospice, infusion therapy, supplies; Signature Care (private pay).