Q: Why should I choose Hartford HealthCare at Home's Intensive Home Rehabilitation Services?
A: The Orthopedic Intensive Home Rehabilitation Program is a partnership between your hospital and Hartford HealthCare at Home. By choosing our program you have the ability to recover in the comfort and safety of your own home. Therapy is customized to your home environment, leading to a faster recovery. When transitioning home after surgery, home care offers the greatest level of independence and happiness.
Q: Who is a candidate for Hartford HealthCare at Home's Orthopedic Intensive Home Rehabilitation Program?
A: A patient recovering from knee or hip replacement who meets the following criteria:
- Has had a unilateral hip or knee replacement
- Would qualify for intensive in-home rehab in lieu of inpatient rehab
- Has some caregiver support in the home or caregiver can be at the patient's home within one hour
- Is otherwise healthy enough to complete a daily physical therapy and occupational therapy program
- Has one full flight of stairs or less to enter the home and safety confirmed after the physical therapy evaluation in the hospital
- Has a caregiver who can participate in bedside physical therapy training prior to discharge from the hospital
Q: What can patients expect from the Program?
A: Patients can expect...
- Physical therapy up to six days per week and occupational therapy up to three days per week, for the first two weeks (depending on patient need)
- Home exercise program tailored to the patient's functional level and speed of recovery
- Nursing visits for post-surgical care and education on medication management
- Home health aide assistance, according to functional need
Q: When will my home care services begin?
A: The first visit will occur the day after you are discharged from the hospital
Q: Who will make the first visit and what can I expect during this visit?
A: During your first visit, your nurse or rehabilitation therapist will explain your plan of care, including other professionals that will be a part of your home care team and how often they will be visiting.
- You should have all of your medications/prescriptions readily available
- The home care provider will see how you are moving around your home, monitor surgical incision and tell you about the services you will be receiving (physical and occupational therapy, hame health aide services).
- The first visit will last one to two hours
Q: What time of day should I expect my home care visit?
A: A transitional care coordinator will call you the day after you are discharged to set up a time for the visit.
Q: What can I expect for the first physical therapy visit?
A: The physical therapist's first visit will focus on:
- Evaluating your ability to walk, getting you out of bed and moving your extremities
- Making recommendations regarding safety in your home to decrease the risk of falls
- Establishing your physical therapy treatment plan and creating goals specific to your needs
- Subsequent visits will be scheduled based on your progress. If you have staples or sutures to be removed, a second visit will be made to remove them
Q: How many nursing/therapy visits will I receive?
A: The physical therapist will visit up to six times a week for the first two weeks; as you progress, you may receive visits up to three times a week for the next two to three weeks.
- The number of therapy visits you receive depends on how quickly your progress enables you to leave your home safely
- Therapy visits will last 30 to 45 minutes
Q: What will be included in my occupational therapy visits
A: Your occupational therapist will visit you during your first week at home after you leave the hospital.
Your occupational therapist's first visit will focus on:
- Evaluating your ability to perform activities of daily living (getting dressed, bathing and preparing meals)
- Making recommendations about how to conserve energy and stay safe while doing everyday tasks
- Establishing your occupational therapy treatment plan creating goals specific to your needs
- The occupational therapist will visit up to three times a week for the first two weeks, then as you progress, you may receive visits one to two times per week for the next two to three weeks
Q: Who pays for the home care services?
A: Our programs and services are covered by Medicare. A transitional care coordinator will be happy to answer any questions regarding insurance eligibility
Q: What is a home health aide and what do they do?
A: The home health aide (HHA) can provide you with assistance with your daily activities of daily living, which include assistance with bathing, grooming, shaving, nail filing, care of teeth and mouth. They also help with toileting, transferring, eating and feeding as well as meal preparation as instructed.
The HHA may prompt you as to when to take your medications. He or she will also be trained by your physical and occupational therapist, and will be able to guide you with your exercise program.
Q: When will the HHA visit me, and how often will the home health aide come to my home?
A: If requested by your doctor, home health aide services will be initiated the day after you are discharged from the hospital. Your home health aide will visit you at home for up to four hours a day for five days a week for the first two weeks, with visits becoming less frequent as you progress.
Q: Who do I call for questions?
A: Please call Hartford HealthCare at Home 1.800.HOMECARE