Frequently Asked Questions
We’re bringing answers home.
Home Healthcare FAQ
What is Home Healthcare?
Home healthcare is quite like it sounds. It is medical attention provided by skilled professionals that takes place in the comfort and convenience of your own home. The care comes to you rather than you having to travel to a hospital or clinic.
Home healthcare is coordinated by a licensed, qualified organization and may involve the services of nurses, therapists, clinicians and sometimes even social workers providing non-medical support. It is a service ordered by a physician for patients who may be recovering from a surgery, illness or injury or for those facing chronic illness.
What’s the difference between home healthcare, hospice care and private home care?
Home Healthcare is quite like it sounds. It is medical attention provided by skilled professionals that takes place in the comfort and convenience of your own home. The care comes to you rather than you having to travel to a hospital or clinic. Home healthcare is coordinated by a licensed, qualified organization and may involve the services of nurses, therapists, clinicians and sometimes even social workers providing non-medical support. It is a service ordered by a physician for patients who may be recovering from a surgery, illness or injury or for those facing chronic illness.
Hospice care is a philosophy of high-quality, compassionate care for anyone of any age who has a life-limiting illness and does not want any more curative treatment. It provides dignity, choice and comfort so what remains of life can be lived to its fullest. Hospice care also provides a great deal of support for family members in the form of physical, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Private Home Care provides care that concentrates on activities of daily living that including live in senior care, personal care, household/chore services, and transportation. These are all things that allow us to remain independent and in our homes.
Who is eligible for home healthcare?
To qualify for home health services, you must be in need of periodic medical treatment but experiencing difficulty leaving your home and to do so, need to rely on another person or an assistance device such as a cane, a walker or a wheelchair. The care must be ordered by your physician and that physician must be licensed in the state of Georgia. The care also must be deemed reasonable and necessary to the treatment of the patient’s illness or injury.
What services are covered under the Medicare benefit?
If you have Medicare benefits, you’ll be covered for home health services such as nursing care, physical therapy and speech-language pathology services. If qualified, you may also receive occupational therapy, the help of a medical social worker, assistance from a home health aide and/or medical supplies.
How many visits will I get at home?
Every patient and situation is different, and it will depend on the treatment ordered by your physician. Visiting Nurse continually communicates and coordinates the home visits with your doctor’s office. That way, if your situation should change, we will work in tandem with the doctor to decide if we should increase or decrease your visits.
What can I expect on the first Visiting Nurse Home Healthcare visit?
Visiting Nurse will assess the needs of the patient during the first visit ensuring the transition from the hospital to your home quite seamless. During the initial visit, a nurse or therapist will coordinate a hands-on plan of care for the patient including their physicians, family, and caregivers. By working together, Visiting Nurse’s team is able to provide the most exceptional care possible.
What does “homebound” mean?
Homebound indicates that it is challenging to leave the home and/or you unable to leave your home safely without medical equipment such as crutches, canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Your physician can determine if you are homebound if they believe that your illness or current health status could get worse if you do leave your home. However, it is not completely forbidden to leave the home. Those that are homebound leave for short periods of time for special non-medical activities like trips to attend church, graduations or to the barber/beauty shop.
Can I request Visiting Nurse if my doctor orders home health care for me?
Of course you can. Patients have the freedom to choose their health care provider under Federal law.
Who do I contact about admission to the program?
Call us, Visiting Nurse Health System, Georgia’s largest nonprofit home healthcare provider. We will then contact your physician to see if home health services are recommended and we will begin your plan. Call (404) 215-6000. We are ready to bring healthcare home to you.
How much does home healthcare cost?
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance and managed care organizations cover the cost of home health services. Some insurance and manage care plans may require a deductible or co-pay. To have Visiting Nurse help you figure out your depth of coverage, call (404) 215-6000.
Are your employees supervised on a regular basis?
It is important to have a collaborative environment so our teams, clients, their families and physicians are on the same page. We update our employees weekly on their clients’ cases. Our Private Home Care team is also supervised by nurses on-site where they monitor the condition of the patient. These observations allow our team to report any changes to condition, care needs to the client’s family and/or primary physician.
How does Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta ensure all employees are trustworthy and competent?
We understand the uncertainty of having someone new in your home but it is our goal to ensure that all of our clients are comfortable with all Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees they come in contact with. Our employees proudly uphold our organizational values—respect, integrity, excellence, stewardship and care in all we do. At Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta, we take pride in having compassionate and qualified employees. All employees are required to have advanced proficiency in critical thinking, time management, technical skills as well as reading, writing and speaking English. We also examine the following for all team members during the hiring process:
- Education
- Current licenses and/or certifications
- Criminal background checks
- Ability to read, write and speak English
- Written references
Does Visiting Nurse provide back-up coverage?
Yes, of course. For all pre-scheduled visits, we will provide backup coverage when necessary. Visiting Nurse is available 24/7 and will never leave a client unattended.
Are Visiting Nurse staff members insured and bonded?
Safety and integrity are important to us. All Visiting Nurse employees are fully insured in compliance with the Georgia state laws and fully bonded against theft.
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Great news! Seats still available at this year`s Hospice Atlanta Resilience Grief Workshop May 17! We have an amazing line up of inspiring speakers, to help you at what ever stage you may be at on your journey of grief. Please enjoy reading here, and details to register below. #grief #support #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
Great news! Seats still available at this year`s Hospice Atlanta Resilience Grief Workshop May 17! We have an amazing line up of inspiring speakers, to help you at what ever stage you may be at on your journey of grief. Please enjoy reading here, and details to register below. #grief #support #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!
#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️
We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!
#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️
Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.
This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.
#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief
Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.
This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.
#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief
As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!
Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!
#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond
As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!
Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!
#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond
Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!
Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!
Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem
We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem
Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!
Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org
Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!
Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org
We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉
Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!
Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations
We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉
Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!
Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations
Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference!
This year`s theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia`s leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia`s seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors
Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference!
This year`s theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia`s leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia`s seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors
Celebrating our Super Hero, Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu or "Big O" , pictured here with our President & CEO Dorothy Davis, during pregame warm ups!
Not only is he incredible on the court, but he`s also making a lasting impact off the court! Big O supported Camp STARS campers this year`s Hospice Atlanta Camp STARS family bereavement camp. Thank you, Big O, for being a star in so many ways! 🌟
#BigO #HawksNation #CommunityChampion #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
Celebrating our Super Hero, Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu or "Big O" , pictured here with our President & CEO Dorothy Davis, during pregame warm ups!
Not only is he incredible on the court, but he`s also making a lasting impact off the court! Big O supported Camp STARS campers this year`s Hospice Atlanta Camp STARS family bereavement camp. Thank you, Big O, for being a star in so many ways! 🌟
#BigO #HawksNation #CommunityChampion #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem