1. What is home care?
Home care is health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by health care professionals, home care aides and homemakers. Many home health care agencies are Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs), which date back to the 1880s in New York, where nursing care was provided to the sickest and poorest.

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2. What are the benefits of home care?
Home care fosters recovery, a sense of dignity and a 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. It is a safe alternative to living alone when you need ongoing care that family and friends are not able to provide. It is a cost-effective alternative to institutional care.

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3. How do I know if home care is right for me?
Home care is typically appropriate when you prefer to be at home but you need ongoing health or supportive care that family and friends are not able or qualified to provide. “Home” may be your residence or another location.

Discuss your needs with your physician and those closest to you; then contact Bethel VNA to arrange for a home care assessment. We can help make the transition to home care smoother.

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4. Are all VNAs the same?
All VNAs are not the same; they are independent, different and separate organizations. If you want the Bethel VNA to provide your home care services, be sure to ask for the Bethel VNA specifically.

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5. Who are the Bethel VNA caregivers who come to my home?
Services are provided by registered nurses; physical, occupational and speech therapists; social workers; home health aides and end-of-life care specialists, depending upon your needs.

The Bethel VNA also provides homemaker services, which are not generally covered by an insurance plan, and a range of volunteer services including companionship, emotional support and help with personal projects.

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6. 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 psychosocial issues that the patient and family face throughout the illness and grieving process.

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7. 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.

Questions to Ask a Home Health Care Agency is available on the Visiting Nurse Association of America web site, www.vnaa.org.

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8. Who pays for home care?
Home health care is generally paid for by health insurance, public payers (Medicare, Medicaid), or with the patient's own resources. Financial arrangements can be discussed for those who lack health insurance.

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9. 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 or her office. You, your friend or your family member can also make a referral.

Our team of health care professionals, in conjunction with your physician, formulates a care plan that specifically meets your health needs.

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10. What towns does the Bethel VNA serve?
The Bethel VNA provides services to the Connecticut communities of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown and Redding.

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