By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Aging is a part of life and often we are presented with the challenges of caring for loved ones. There are many questions regarding costs and Medicare coverage.  The DeKalb County Council on Aging answers these questions daily. Below are guidelines provided by them regarding coverage. 

If qualified, Medicare will pay for Home Health services regardless of whether the condition is temporary or chronic and regardless of whether the condition is improving or not. 

If you qualify for the home health benefit of Medicare, it will cover the following:

• Skilled Nursing Services provided up to seven days per week for generally no more than eight hours per day and 28 hours per week
• Skilled therapy services such as physical, speech, and occupational therapy home health aide, so long as you require skilled care as well.
• Home Health Aide, so long as you require skilled care medical social services to help with social or emotional concerns regarding the illness
• Certain medical services such as wound dressings and catheters
• Certain durable medical equipment (DME) such as a wheelchair or walker

The DeKalb County Council of Aging SHIP Coordinator, Lynn Hixon will be glad to speak with you about any of the programs that Medicare has to offers.  If you or a loved one is needing this assistance,  please call 256-845-8590.