Is home care just for people who live alone?
Not at all. Home care is a great supplement to the care provided by family or loved ones. Our skilled staff of medical professionals will work in partnership with your primary caregiver—a friend or family member—to teach proper techniques to use when we are not there.
By bringing rehabilitation and high-tech care right to your doorstep, we can give your primary caregiver a much-needed break to run errands or simply relax and recharge.
Many of our patients do live alone. But our specialists are never far from you. That’s because many of our staff members live in the same neighborhoods as their patients.
In addition, we schedule home visits when they are convenient for you or your family.
What’s the difference between home care and hospice?
MJHS provides both types of care in a home setting, although they serve different needs.
- People who have left the hospital but still need medical care
- Those who can avoid hospital stays with in-home help
- Those who need their medical conditions checked often
- Those who need help learning to cope with a recently diagnosed medical condition
Hospice is specifically designed for people facing the last stages of a life-limiting illness.
Do all home care agencies provide the same services?
Services vary. For example, not all agencies offer services involving high-tech care, such as ventilator care, that would normally be provided at a hospital or other health facility. Plus, some agencies might not schedule home visits around your needs.
MJHS Home Care programs are designed around each patient’s needs, so you can expect specialized care plans and attention. We might not have a particular service listed on the website, but that doesn’t mean we do not offer it.
It’s always a good idea to call one of our counselors to discuss your medical needs in-depth. Give MJHS a call at 1-855-370-8317 today for more information about your personal home-care needs.
What if the patient’s condition changes?
Because MJHS is an integrated health system, it is easy and convenient to switch from one type of care or service to another.
Will my health insurance cover home care?
Medicare, Medicaid, managed care providers (including HMOs) and many private insurance plans provide coverage for home care—under certain conditions. These conditions, and the amount and type of coverage you have, vary from plan to plan. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage booklet, website or customer service center for more information.
Or you can call MJHS at 1-855-370-8317 and speak with one of our knowledgeable counselors. We are happy to help you determine your health insurance status.
If you do not have health insurance and would like more information about the health plans that are part of the MJHS integrated health system, click on Health Plans or visit Elderplan.org.
Do you offer specialized home care for children and expectant and new mothers?
Yes. MJHS is proud to provide home care to those who are often the most in need—children and mothers. Our unique partnership with St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children makes quality, personalized short-term care for children and expectant and new mothers a reality.
We understand how important the health and well-being of your child is to you, so our experienced and dedicated staff will work with you to determine the most comfortable and compassionate methods to use in treating your child. Our at-home services for children may include:
- Post-hospitalization or post-accident treatment
- Short-term treatment for chronic illness, such as asthma, cancer and diabetes
- Physical, speech and occupational therapy
Our specialized at-home services for expectant and new mothers help relieve the stress of difficult pregnancies and the transition to motherhood. We will provide assistance with:
- Comprehensive care for cesarean section wounds
- Complications such as premature contractions, diabetes or hyperemesis
- St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children Learning to care for your well or special needs child
If you would like more information about the MJHS programs for children and mothers, please call us at 1-855-370-8317.
Who do I call if I or a loved one has home care and I have questions?
If you have questions regarding the MJHS program—whether you or a loved one is enrolled—please call us at 1-855-370-8317.
What are rehabilitation services?
Rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology and are provided to improve our patient’s mobility and function. Therapists work to increase strength, balance and coordination as well as make moving and walking easier and safer. They also help with fine motor control tasks and to improve activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and feeding. Our Speech Therapists also help our patients and their family members to communicate better when speech has been compromised.
Who might receive rehabilitation services?
Anyone who has had a recent illness, injury or surgery with a decline in function may be eligible. Your doctor can make a referral to our home care agency, and the length of services provided will be determined after a comprehensive evaluation is completed by one of our qualified therapists.
What is telemonitoring?
Telemonitoring is a way for you to confidentially send your vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight and blood sugar) to us each day. A nurse monitors those readings to catch any negative trends early and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or ER visits.
Is telemonitoring easy to use?
Yes, it’s very easy to use and a technician comes to your home to show you how to send your readings. Your nurse will also reinforce how easy it is to use and help you with any questions you may have.
What is disease management?
The ability to focus on a particular disease process such as Heart Failure or Diabetes and provide care which promotes maximum patient outcomes.
Why is disease management important?
Disease management helps patients/caregivers develop the skills to manage their disease process independently, which minimizes the need for acute care and/or hospitalization.
Why should a home care Program pursue Disease Management Certification?
Joint Commission Certification demonstrates external validation. This recognition is bestowed upon agencies in recognition of:
- Implementation of consensus-based national standards
- Effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care.
- An organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.
- Commitment to a higher level of care.
Has MJHS received Disease Management Certification?
Yes. MJHS has received Joint Commission Certification for our Heart Failure Program.
How do I request your Long Term Services?
Call MJHS Long Term Home Care directly at 718 759-4333 to speak with our Enrollment team.
Who makes the decision that I am an appropriate candidate for your Long Term program?
Once a referral is made to our enrollment team on your behalf, a nurse will make a home visit. A complete patient and home assessment will be submitted to the Human Resources Administration (HRA). A joint visit will be made to your home by the enrollment nurse and a representative from HRA for Long Term to determine eligibility and secure authorization.
What if I don’t have Medicaid? Does that mean I cannot have services?
Active community Medicaid is a component of eligibility to the long term program. A member of our social work team may assist you or your designated family member with submission of an application for consideration for Medicaid in the event you meet the financial criteria.
How many hours of service can I receive from your Long Term program?
Your needs as identified by representatives from both the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and an enrollment nurse from our Long Term program during a joint home visit will determine how many hours will be approved.
How do I initiate a referral?
To find out more information about MJHS Long Term Home Care you or your family member may initiate a call to MJHS Long Term Home Care Enrollment team at 718 759-4333 who will follow up with your physician.
How will my Long Term home care services be paid for?
After your primary care physician in conjunction with our enrollment team develops a home care plan of care, your services will be paid by Medicaid. For patients that are dually eligible and have Medicare and Medicaid, optimization of Medicare will be implemented when appropriate.
Can I get home care personnel that speak my language?
MJHS Long Term Care is sensitive to our patients’ cultural and religious beliefs. English, Spanish, Russian, Creole, Mandarin and Cantonese are among the languages spoken.
What does a Home Care social worker do?
Home care social workers assess the physical, emotional, environmental and social needs of home care patients. In turn they coordinate and plan ways to have these needs met. They can provide:
- Crisis intervention
- Supportive counseling
- Assistance with concrete services such as Medicaid applications and other entitlements
- Linkage to community resources
- Long term planning
- Education regarding the implications/complexities of a medical situation and it’s impact on lifestyle
What qualifications does a home care social worker have?
Our home care social workers are licensed in the state of NY and have a Masters degree in social work. Many of our social workers are also bilingual and have had a minimum of one year of experience within a health care setting prior to hiring.
How are home care social work services paid for?
Social work is a direct service provided by MJHS Long Term Home Care and is paid for by Medicaid.
How often will the social worker come to see me?
The frequency of social work visits will be determined in coordination with nursing staff and your doctor based on your individual needs. All home care services require a physician order including social work.
