for the nurse to share with the client. Medication adherence is also more complicated at home. Unlike in a hospital setting, the medication is scheduled around the clock and readily available. It is really dependent on the client's resources and financial situation. Also, client compliance, or client adherence to the plan of care, factors into client health outcomes. Eligibility Home health care is generally less expensive and more convenient then in the hospital. When possible home health care helps regain independence, become more self-sufficient, and maintain current level of function. The primary payer for home health care is Medicare dependent on meeting certain eligibility criteria. Home health services are covered when all of the following criteria are met: Patient is under the care of a doctor, and getting services under a plan of care established. A doctor certifies that the patient needs, one or more of the following: intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and continued occupational therapy Home health agency caring for patient is approved by Medicare Doctor certifies that patient is homebound As part of eligibility, a doctor or health care professional must document that they have had a face to face encounter within required timeframe and the reason was related to need for home health care Eligibility for home health care is determined by intermittent skilled nursing care that is needed fewer than 7 days each week and daily less than 8 hours each day for up to 21 days. If skilled nursing care is needed more than this over extended period of time it would not qualify for home health benefits under Medicare guidelines. See also Assisted living Caregiver Community nursing Faith community nursing History of nursing Home care Hospice House call Nurse-client relationship Nurse educator Nursing Nursing home Personal care assistant Public health nursing Travel nursing References Community nursing