Suppose you have a medical condition that is not serious enough for you to be in the hospital, but is serious enough that you need skilled help every day or every few days. In the past, your only choice might have been a stay in a nursing home until you were well enough to go home. Now more and more insurance plans and hospitals offer home health care.

Home health care agencies usually offer skilled medical care personnel such as nurses, attendants, physical therapists, social workers, and nutritionists to care for you in your home. These agencies charge a fee for services but typically it is much lower than fees for inpatient hospitalization or a nursing home.

Home health care services are often covered by Medicare, and Medicaid to treat particular problems. These often include:

• part-time skilled nursing care,
• speech therapy,
• home infusions of medication into the veins,
• physical therapy,
• hospice services for the terminally ill, and
• some medical supplies.

However, these government plans usually do not cover a permanent full-time nurse, medications, meals, housecleaning, or personal care. Private insurance plans vary greatly in what kinds of services they cover for home health care. Check with your insurance plan to find out more information on coverage.

Other services available to older adults in the home can add to your quality of life and make it easier for you to stay healthy. One of these is the Emergency Response System. Wearing a device that can be pressed to send for help can make the difference between life and death. Ask your primary healthcare provider for more information.

Another at-home service is Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious hot meals at a low sliding-scale fee. Many other home services are available, depending upon where you live. These include attendant care, visitor or buddy programs, services that bring pets to visit you, free transportation, daily "check-in" services, and services that pair up older adults and teens. Check with your local senior center for more information.

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