Home health care allows individuals to heal and regain strength in a familiar setting while maintaining direct communication with their doctors. The name “home health” refers to a wide range of personalized services for each individual. Skilled home health agencies can provide nursing care; physical, speech, occupational, respiratory and IV therapy; home health aide and homemaker/companion services; home medical equipment; nutritional guidance; and medical social services in the patient’s home. Unlike rehabilitation facilities, which provide intensive daily care, home health services are tailored for individuals who prefer to heal at home. Each home health care agency is different, with different services, and accepting different forms of insurance and payment.
According to a 2023 study completed by AARP, 350,000 seniors in Florida use home care agencies, where 90% say they want to stay independent as long as possible, according to the Florida Health Care Association. According to the state agency responsible for licensure of health facilities, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), there are 2,523 licensed home health agencies in the state. Of those, 189 agencies are located in North Central Florida.
Recently, Lindy Wilbekin from Innovation Home Health Care, LLC (IHHC, LLC), joined us to provide information and insights into selecting a skilled home healthcare agency . IHHC places a strong emphasis on patient education and empowerment. “It’s about knowledge,” Lindy said, “equipping patients with the tools and understanding they need to manage their health effectively.”
The agency opened its doors in October 2023, but the team has years of experience in the field. “We see our patients as family,” Lindy said, highlighting the agency’s focus on treating everyone with respect and kindness. To show this commitment, IHHC, LLC helped its first 38 patients for free, showing how much they care about serving the community. “This isn’t just a business; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives and families,” Lindy added.
Florida law includes the following requirements for home health companies serving patients needing skilled nursing services:
- A doctor must sign a treatment order, outlining the required services, and a detailed plan of care/treatment must be created. A plan of care is not required for people receiving home health aide services without a treatment order or for those receiving only homemaker/companion services
- Patients have the right to be a part of their care planning and may request a copy of the plan of care/treatment.
- For patients receiving skilled services, a licensed professional must do an assessment of the patient’s condition.
- The plan of care/treatment must be periodically reviewed by the doctor to ensure proper coordination and supervision of care. Requirements can vary, so patients should consult their provider and doctor for specific details.
Lindy offered the following recommendations when seeking a home health agency:
- Confirm Insurance Coverage: Ensure the provider accepts your insurance to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
- Request a list of services. Review the available services to compare with your needs.
- Assess Communication: Evaluate the responsiveness and professionalism of the staff.
- Check Availability: Verify that the provider offers after-hours support to address needs that arise outside regular business hours.
If you are not in need of skilled nursing assistance, there are other options. Non-medical home care or personal care services, aids with activities of daily living, or tasks that are necessary for self-care. This includes help with bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and getting in and out of bed or a chair. You may want to discuss these options with your physician, or you can arrange these services yourself.
To find a home health care provider in your area, use the Facility Locator on FloridaHealthFinder.gov . After you have a provider or list of providers on the website, click on a provider name to find the address, phone number, and driving directions. The profile page also includes the administrator and owner, emergency actions (where applicable), and a link to inspection reports.
If you are interested in Innovation Home Health Care, LLC, the skilled home health care agency owned by Kalaisenthil Kalaimani, PT, DScPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, CEO & Administrator, visit their website at www.innovationhhc.com or contact Lindy Wilbekin at 352-663-2993, or email her at lwilbekin@innovationhhc.com.
To learn more about Home Health Care in Florida, visit the Florida AHCA guide: https://quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/report-guides/home-health#HomeHealthCareProviders
