If you need to recover at home due to an injury or illness or because you are recovering from an operation, you may be eligible for home healthcare.
Home healthcare comprises basic care, medical treatment and domestic assistance.
In the German public (statutory) health insurance system, insured persons may receive care at home (or in another suitable location) in addition to medical care if:
Home healthcare provision in the private health insurance system can vary depending on the insurance provider and tariff you select – so be sure to examine your policy carefully.
In both systems, patients must satisfy at least the two following conditions to qualify:
Home healthcare is provided by the nursing service contracted by the respective insurance provider.
Though the terms "home care" and "home healthcare" are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct types of services.
Home care focuses on non-medical support, including companionship, help with bathing, and assistance with meal preparation.
In contrast, home healthcare involves medically necessary services prescribed by a doctor, such as skilled nursing, wound care, and administering medications. Additionally, the cost structures and payment methods for these services can differ significantly. Knowing the differences in services, costs, and benefits can help you select the most appropriate care option for your loved one.
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Home healthcare offers a wide variety of services that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. The scope of care provided at home can be extensive, ranging from basic nursing support to specialized medical treatments like lab tests. Together, the patient and their doctor will develop a customized care plan based on the medical requirements. Here are some common types of home healthcare services:
1. Physician Visits at Home
A doctor may conduct in-home visits to assess, diagnose, and manage the patient's health condition. They may also periodically review the patient’s progress and make necessary adjustments to the home healthcare plan.
2. Nursing Care
Nursing care is one of the most frequently used home healthcare services. A registered nurse, in collaboration with the doctor, will develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient’s needs. This may include wound care, ostomy management, intravenous therapy, administering medications, pain management, and general health monitoring.
3. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
Home healthcare can include therapeutic services to aid patients in regaining lost abilities or adapting to new physical challenges after illness or injury. A physical therapist may assist with exercises to restore muscle strength and mobility. Occupational therapists help patients relearn essential daily activities like dressing and bathing, especially if the patient has physical or cognitive impairments. Speech therapists work with patients to improve communication skills affected by conditions such as stroke.
4. Medical Social Services
Medical social workers play a vital role in supporting home healthcare patients by providing counseling and connecting them with community resources. For patients with complex medical needs, a social worker may also act as a case manager to coordinate various services.
5. Home Health Aide Services
Home health aides assist patients with daily personal care tasks such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, and walking. Some aides may have additional training to perform more advanced care tasks under a nurse’s supervision.
6. Homemaker and Basic Support Services
While patients receive medical care at home, homemaker services can help maintain a functional household. This may include tasks like meal preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, and general housekeeping to support the patient’s daily living environment.
Home healthcare services provide a flexible and personalized approach to medical and non-medical care, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own home.
Home healthcare professionals, whether employed by an agency or working independently, often have limited control over their work settings, which can expose them to various safety and health risks. These risks may include exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other biological hazards, allergies related to latex, and ergonomic injuries from tasks like lifting patients. Additionally, they may encounter aggressive animals, potential violence, and unsanitary or hazardous living conditions. For those providing care to multiple clients throughout the day, the frequent travel between locations also presents road safety risks.
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As a private patient with ottonova you can go to any doctor of your choice. For dental treatments i.e implants or crowns (Zahnersatz) we provide a higher coverage if you choose a dentist from our ottonova network.
The payment is different than in the public system. With private health insurance you pay the full tariff to us at the beginning of the month. If you are employed your employer will contribute their part to your health insurance through your salary.
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