Home Health Care Defined

Home care is a health option offering a broad range of medical care and support services provided in the home. Services range from simple assistance in the activities of daily living to high-tech medical procedures.

Home care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital and nursing home stays. Home care services are provided through a variety of home care providers, whether independently owned or associated with hospitals or public health departments. Home health care agencies in Arkansas are licensed and surveyed by the state.

There are currently 226 licensed home health care agencies in the state of Arkansas, and they provide services in all 75 counties. The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services represents 33 percent of those agencies. Hospital-based home health agencies (25 percent), private agencies (10 percent), and private-non-profit, including the Area Agencies on Aging (32 percent) comprise the remainder of providers.

Types of Home Health Care Services

Skilled Nursing
Registered Nurses (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provide professional nursing care in the home, working under the direction of the patient's doctor. The nurse implements the plan of care.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
Therapists work with patients to improve their physical function, daily activities and to help speech and comprehension.

Home Health Aides
Aides help patients with personal care services such as grooming, bathing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

Infusion Therapy
IV therapies and enteral feeding can be performed in the home.

Hospice
Provides palliative and supportive care for terminally ill patients and their families.