Posted 2/19/2015 11:06 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Babana,
I'm an HR Director for a Home Health/Home Care agency, and I know the frustration you must feel. There's a lot of red tape with home health services, especially for a home health aide. Nursing services seem to be easier to get started in my opinion.
If the orders came from the doctor, I would call the doctor. Someone in his/her office can put some pressure on the Case Manager for the insurance company. Was your mother actually "approved?" Or, did her dr just suggest it? Typically with insurances, not much will be covered except "bath visits." Again, this is if going thru insurance.
Some people who cant get approved thru their insurance, go the Medicaid route. There's red tape here as well and can sometimes take months to get approved, but it's free if you qualify, and depending on the acuity of the client, they can qualify for a lot of hours per week versus just a "bath visit." Again, this is for Medicaid and this is considered "personal care."
Not sure if this is an option for you all, but maybe you can talk to some home health agencies in your area for "self pay" services in the meantime. Our company charges about $18 an hour. Some companies charge upward to $24 an hour depending on the care.
If that is too pricey, you can always reach out to a caregiver personally for some help. I'm not sure if I can post the website, but care.com is a great resource (I even use it to recruit caregivers). You can perform criminal backgrounds, references on there as well.... and if this is the route, caregivers will ask for about $9-$15 per hour. keep in mind, they are not bonded, where as going thru an agency they are.
Hope that helps. If you need anything further info just email me.
Hang in there