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Can You Refuse Home Health Care?
Date Updated: January 30, 2025
Written by:
Sarah has produced thousands of articles in diverse niches over her decade-long career as a full-time freelance writer. This includes substantial content in the fields of senior care and health care. She has experience writing about wide-ranging topics, such as types of care, care costs, funding options, state Medicaid programs and senior resources.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Yes, you can refuse home health care unless a guardianship order exists. However, declining supportive services at home may delay your discharge from the hospital, hinder your recovery or adversely affect your health. You should also consider how you will get support when making your decision.
Reasons People Refuse Home Health Care and Things to Consider
Medical ethics permit individuals to refuse treatment, care and support because of the respect for bodily autonomy and freedom of choice. Moreover, the person must give informed consent. People refuse home health care for various reasons, including misunderstanding what services involve, privacy concerns and financial worries. Additionally, while many seniors prefer to remain at home, some wish to receive support in residential settings, such as assisted living communities or nursing homes. Sometimes, older adults want loved ones to provide care. However, this may be impractical or unsafe and burden relatives.
Medical and care professionals and families should clearly explain to seniors what home health care involves, highlighting benefits and expected duration. For example, those who need intermittent skilled nursing or rehabilitation therapies following a surgical procedure may feel reassured knowing that in-home services are temporary while they heal. People should also ensure seniors fully understand their conditions and needs. Reassurance may help resolve privacy concerns.
Financial Concerns and Home Health Care
According to Genworth Financial, the 2024 median cost of home health care nationwide runs $33 per hour. If seniors refuse home health care due to financial worries, they should check whether they qualify for public funding; Medicare covers medically necessary, doctor-prescribed home health care in many cases. Other options include traditional Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services Waivers and VA benefits.
Policyholders often qualify for payouts under long-term care insurance policies. Moreover, many life insurance plans allow advance settlements. Homeowners could also consider reverse mortgages. Individuals can contact their local Area Agency on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center, or VA center for free benefit checks and financial guidance.
Benefits of Home Health Care
Home health care agencies deliver medical and rehabilitative services in an individual’s private home. Doctors oversee care plans, and teams include certified nursing aides, nurses, therapists, dietitians and medical social workers. In-home services provide care for those who require clinical attention but don’t need the more intensive care provided by nursing homes or hospitals. They allow an individual to recover from an illness, injury or surgery in the comfort of their residence.
Professional support at home also promotes safety. Unfortunately, family members often lack the adequate knowledge, skills or experience to provide the necessary medical care for their loved ones. Home health care also reduces caregiver stress, allowing families to focus on quality time together and maintain their own affairs, such as work and child raising.