Inability to leave home without a taxing effort, the assistance of someone else, or the use of crutches, cane, walker, wheelchair or special transportation
A person does not have to be confined to the bed to be considered homebound Whether or not a person qualifies as homebound is determined by a doctor's evaluation of his/her condition over an extended period of time, not on a daily or weekly basis Therefore, leaving home for short periods of time for special non-medical events, such as a family reunion, funeral or graduation, would not exclude someone from being considered homebound As long as his/her doctor certifies that his/her condition is such that there exists a normal inability to leave home and leaving home requires "a considerable and taxing effort," he/she would be considered homebound
An individual will be considered to be essentially homebound if he or she has a condition due to an illness or injury which considerably restricts the ability to leave his or her residence without the aid of supportive devices, the use of special transportation or the assistance of another person He or she may also be considered homebound if leaving the home is medically contra-indicated
Normally unable to leave home Leaving home takes considerable and taxing effort A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for nonmedical reasons, such as a trip to the barber or to attend religious services A need for adult day care does not keep you from getting home health care for other medical conditions