Nancy Diller-Shively, RN President & CEO	Nurse's Notes Q. I am having a hip replacement done in 2 months. What type of help would I be able to receive during my first weeks at home? Will my Medicare cover any services?
A. You are wise to be checking into things before your operation and will feel more at ease for having done so. Your Medicare coverage provides for "skilled intermittent" visits. This means services by a registered nurse and/or a therapist when ordered by your physician. For example, the nurse might make several visits a week for the first few weeks to monitor your transition from hospital to home. The nurse may check your incision and do a sterile dressing change, as well as make sure you are taking your medications properly. A therapist might also visit twice a week to help you rebuild your muscles and increase your strength. The frequency of visits depends upon your particular situation and recommendations of your physician and caregivers. Medicare may provide home health aide services when skilled care is needed to assist with personal care (bathing and grooming). If you wish additional assistance with things such as meal preparation, laundry, groceries, or someone to stay with you for several hours or at night, those services are available but not covered by Medicare. They are available by the hour and you are responsible for that payment. Some agencies, such as Bridgeport Home Health Care, provide both Medicare services as well as hourly services. Calling now can give you peace of mind that everything will be taken care of before you enter the hospital.
If you would like to submit a question for consideration to be answered in this column, please fax it to 239-277-5665;  e-mail it to ndshively@Bridgeporthomehealth.com;  or mail to Bridgeport Home Health Care, 2734 Oak Ridge Court Suite 404 Ft. Myers, FL 33901.