Homebound Services and Supports
What does Homebound mean? In simplified terms, being homebound or housebound means an individual is unable to leave their home without difficulty, and due to this difficulty, generally does not leave their home. It is usually due to advanced age, illness, or a disability.
Home Care Information:
Medicare’s Home Health Services
In order to receive home health services via Medicare, a physician must determine a senior to be homebound; in other words, a physician must write a prescription for the services. These home health services include periodic skilled nursing services (such as injections, injection instructions, tube feedings, catheter changes, and wound care), physical therapy, as well as necessary medical equipment. Medicare Home Services are used on a temporary basis, often to help transition home from a hospital or a rehab stay. The Social Worker or Discharge Planner will set up these services prior to your discharge. They will also help you obtain any durable medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs ect.) that the physician feels is needed.
Medicare Certified Home Health Care Agencies:
Jefferson County Public Health: 315-786-3720
Samaritan Home Health: 315-782-0415
Medicaid Home Health Services:
If you have Managed or Straight Medicaid, you qualify for home care services through the Jefferson County Department of Social Services.
Jefferson County DSS Home Management: 315-782-9030 ext: 3242
VA Housebound Pension
The VA uses a housebound status as the major determining factor for a veteran (or surviving spouse) to receive the Housebound Pension. This pension is for veterans who have a permanent disability, but the disability does not need to result from their military service, it can be a disability that results from the natural aging process. The pension provides additional monetary compensation for housebound veterans, above and beyond their regular monthly pension.
VA Skilled Home Health Care (SHHC) Services
A senior veteran may receive Skilled Home Health Care Services based on a housebound status. This short-term care program provides an individual help with activities that are associated with daily living, such as grooming, dressing, mobility, meal preparation, and medication management. Case management and nursing services may also be provided.
For assistance with VA Homebound Services, Please call the Veterans Service Office: 315-785-3086
Transportation:
Volunteer Transportation Center- If you live OUTSIDE of the city of Watertown, VTC will take you to appointments within the city and to appointments outside of the city. If you live INSIDE the city of Watertown, VTC will NOT take you to appointments within the city, but you are able to use VTC for appointments outside of Watertown or for a once monthly shopping trip.
Online Application: Volunteer Transportation Center online Application
ParaTransit: If you live inside the city of Watertown and require assistance to appointments within the city. *Part of the application needs to be completed by a healthcare professional such as your doctor or social worker.
Other HomeBound Services:
Companionship Program through Disabled Persons Action Organization: 315-782-3577
Adult Case Management (North County Prenatal/Perinatal Council): 315-788-8533
Adult Case Management (The Children's Home of Jefferson County): 315-788-7430
Adult Protective Services: 315-782-9030
Catholic Charities: 315-785-3317
