Home Health Care

[jsdwd]

I am 100% s/c and currently being treated for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC - liver cancer). I am on the transplant list and hoping to have transplant surgery within the next few months. The transplant hospital is not a VA facility. My primary VA physician is very supportive and been a huge help throughout.

The recovery from the surgery is pretty invvolved and requires a 'support person' 24/7 for the first two weeks after release from the hospital. My ex-wife is a nurse and has agreed to take time off from work and cover that period (lucky me). But over the next few weeks I will continue to need supportive care at home. There will be dressing changes, medication adjustments, physical therapy sessions, etc. So I will need help for a few weeks until I am more mobile and able to drive, etc.

I know the VA provides certain kinds of Home Healthcare Services, but that's about all I know about it. How do I find out more? What is involved in applying? Is there a waiting time for approval? If so, how long is the waiting time (a year waiting time won't be of any help because I hope to have had the surgery well before then). Has anyone had experience using VA home healthcare services and, if so, how did it go?

Any help in this are would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

John

[Pete53]

The VA does provide Home Health Care but your Primary Care Doc has to request it and they review your case and make a decision. I would think that you have a good chance. They usually have an outside agency provide the care. I have it but much more limited than you need.

The VA also has their own internal health care that goes out. Sometimes they allow both which would probably be best for you.

[Testvet]

The last time I was in ICU the hospital gave me 2 choices either let the social worker set up a home health care aide or go directly to a nursing home upon discharge, I am 100% SC and the VA pays all my bills but under Medicare A they pay for home health care and there is no co-pays I told the social worker the VA pays all my bills but I was covered for 60 days and they are doing the paperwork now to extend it for another 60 days with the VA picking up the cost it's cheaper for any of them to pay this cost than have me back in ICU, the nurse was here today but I only have help 2 days a week, they authorize based on medical needs and not desires I had the nurse and a physical therapist for the first 60 days good luck on your surgery but you need to talk to your clinics patient advocate to arrange this stuff and to get your primary care doc to order it they know what needs to be done

[jsdwd]

Thanks to people who responded. It is helpful. Looks like the route is through my Primary.

[Andre]

You can also appoint (PCA) a personal care assistance.There are a number of sources available to help you in spending for PCA Solutions. In most situations, PCA Solutions are free for people on Healthcare Support or MinnesotaCare. Healthcare Support (MA) is a condition medical proper care system which provides necessary medical services for impaired and seniors.