Frequently Asked Questions

What is Home Care?
Home Care is a term that applies to skilled medical services administered in the patients' home through a licensed Home Health Care Agency. Home Health Care agencies are commonly known as Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs).

Are all VNAs the same?
All VNAs are not the same; they are independent, different and separate organizations. If you want the Bethel VNA, then you must ask for the Bethel VNA specifically.

What are skilled services?
Skilled services refer to the medical aspect of home care. Although the name implies just nursing, the modern day VNA provides all skilled services. The Bethel VNA provides nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, social workers, home health aides and end of life care.

What other services do you provide?
The Bethel VNA provides homemakers and volunteers. The Bethel VNA also has a dynamic administrative team that is vital to the running of our organization.

What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care encompasses care that is geared to relieving and soothing symptoms of a disease or disorder that is life threatening, without expecting a cure for the disease. Our specialty trained palliative care team includes nurses, therapists, social workers, home health aides and volunteers. Pastoral care is also available. In addition to the relief of symptoms our team also addresses the many psycho social issues that face both patient and family throughout the illness and grieving process.

How do I choose a quality Home Care agency?
Ask questions about your prospective home care agency. It should be state licensed and Medicare certified. Look for accreditation by another accrediting organization. The Bethel Visiting Nurse Association is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program.) This accreditation represents a higher standard of practice in the home care industry. Request the Bethel VNA by name otherwise you may be referred to another agency that you don't prefer.

Who qualifies for Home Care?
If you are sick and home bound and need more help than your family can provide the Bethel VNA can provide these services.

Who pays for Home Care?
Generally your private medical insurance, Medicare or Medicaid will pay for your home care services. Financial arrangements can be discussed for those who lack health insurance.

How can I obtain Home Care services?
Your physician and/or hospital discharge planning team will refer you for home care when it is appropriate. Your physician may refer you for home care directly from his office. A friend or family member can also make a referral to the Bethel VNA for home care. Our team of health care professionals in conjunction with your physician will formulate a care plan that specifically meets your health needs.

What are the benefits of Home Care?
Home care fosters recovery and return to independence in the comfort of your own home. It is well accepted that patients recover better in their home environment with family and friends close by.

What towns does the Bethel VNA cover?
The Bethel VNA services the towns of Bethel, Newtown, Redding, and Brookfield.

Where can I find information about Pandemic Flu concerns?
Information on Pandemic Flu may be found on the CDC website: www.pandemicflu.gov. (this site will open in a new browser window)