Medicare and Home Health Care

Donna Nichols • September 13, 2023
A nurse is helping an elderly man use a walker.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about how Medicare and home health care works, so let’s try to clear it up for you.


Most people say, Well, I’m on Medicare, so I’m all good.


Not necessarily, it doesn’t work like that.


Medicare is just like regular health insurance plans as Medicare insurance plans differ as well. You MUST choose your plan during the open enrollment period .


What are the 4 types of Medicare?

You may not even know there are four parts to Medicare, Part A, B, C and D and a brief explanation of each is below:


  • Part A hospital
  • Part B medical
  • Part C Medicare Advantage plan aka Medicare replacement plan
  • Part D prescription coverage


Okay, you say, everyone knows there are four parts, but what do they mean?


Part A


Part A covers inpatient hospital care , for generally ninety days a year. A skilled nursing facility for one hundred days a year, home health care for one hundred days (with stipulations), and hospice care.


Part B


Part B covers doctor services, medical equipment which can include walkers, wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators every five years. This also covers homebound services, ambulance services, preventive services, therapy services and mental health services .


Part C


Part C is known as a Medicare advantage plan which may be referred to as HMOs or PPOs. This is managed care .


Part D


Finally, part D is your prescription drug coverage and almost all drugs are covered by part D.


Most Medicare plans with Part A will cover some home health care. Normally physically, occupational and speech therapy if needed. They will also cover a number of visits from a home health care nurse. The nurse and any therapists must release you from their care, however Medicare generally only pays for a certain amount of time. Hopefully you are better in that time frame.


Yes, this is very confusing, after all, Medicare is run by the government!


Remember, Medicare and Medicaid are two totally different programs and one has nothing to do with the other.


Should you find yourself in a skilled nursing facility and on Medicare, it pays one hundred days a year for rehab. If you stay in the facility for twenty days and move to an assisted living community or go home, the rehab does not automatically follow you for the remaining eighty days.


This means you will need a new order for physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy at home or in an assisted living community through a home health agency.


As I stated earlier, all plans vary and you need to find the Medicare plan that’s right for you; they are NOT all the same.


Shop around, we cannot stress this enough!


Find someone knowledgeable about the Medicare insurance plans, make an appointment with them and take the time to discuss the options available.


Make sure you do your homework to have the best options available when it comes to your health care. You may have to pay a little more, but it will be worth it in the long run.


Don’t know a good Medicare agent, call us at 386-847-2322 and we will help you. Our services are FREE to you!

A diagram showing the different types of medicare plans

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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