Can the Mentally Disabled Receive Home Care?

The mentally disabled can receive home health care through Medicare if they can’t leave the home because of their disability. They must also require skilled nursing care, physical therapy or occupational therapy, such as active treatment from a psychiatric nurse. A doctor must certify the person’s need for home health care, and the family must use a Medicare-approved home health agency.

Home health care services that benefit people with mental disabilities include:

• Skilled psychiatric nursing services
• Occupational therapy designed to improve function
• Medical social services
• Assistance with activities of daily living as needed

A specialized psychiatric nurse visits at least every 60 days to observe the person, assess their health status, provide behavioral or cognitive interventions, offer training activities and provide hands-on patient care when needed. The nurse develops and administers a personalized care plan in cooperation with the person’s physician and mental health provider.

A mentally disabled person needs home health care if their illness prevents them from leaving the home, even without physical limitations. Medicare considers these individuals homebound for coverage purposes if they have:

• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Impaired cognition
• Acute depression

According to research reported by the American Psychiatric Association, the types of mental illness that commonly cause disability include:

• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders
• Anxiety disorder
• Alcohol use disorder