Phil Melugin began his career in healthcare shortly after obtaining his Master of Education in 1990. Today, as president and founder of Phoenix Home Care, Phil Melugin oversees an organization that helps thousands each week, with 2,400 employees and growing. Recently, Phil Melugin spoke to Interviewing Experts about a question that’s facing many senior citizens and their families: when is it time to seek home health care?

Interviewing Experts: Does Phoenix Home Care mostly help elderly clients?

Phil Melugin: We serve a wide range of ages, from infants to those who are nearing 100 years of age. There are times when a client simply needs in-home care, whether it’s due to being rendered incapacitated due to surgery or injury or a result of a more long-term illness.

Interviewing Experts: What if I can’t afford in-home care?

Phil Melugin: In many cases, your insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid may pay. Your insurer should be able to let you know if in-home care is covered.

Interviewing Experts: Will my income be taken into consideration when I apply for this type of assistance?

Phil Melugin: Yes, if you or your loved one is applying for State assistance, you will have to be below the income limit to qualify.

Interviewing Experts: At what point does someone know it’s time to seek in-home care?

Phil Melugin: Often, home care can be just a temporary solution, for someone recovering from surgery or an injury that is unable to leave the house. But for a loved one with a long-term illness, it can often be difficult to decide when to make the transition to in-home care.

Interviewing Experts: It can become difficult for family members to provide around-the-clock care.

Phil Melugin: In some situations, in-home care is requested during the day, while the family is at work. If a patient is bedridden, it can become difficult for someone to be there 24/7 to take care of everything.

Interviewing Experts: When I decide to find in-home care, what type of agency should I choose?

Phil Melugin: Compassion and a commitment to customers is priority. You want a firm that puts clients first and has a good reputation in the community.

Interviewing Experts: Is Phoenix Home Care’s assistance limited to only healthcare needs?

Phil Melugin: Phoenix Home Care can provide a wide variety of services, including personal grooming, light housekeeping, and even assistance for new moms who need help with breastfeeding and learning to change a diaper.

Interviewing Experts: What about small children with injuries or developmental disabilities?

Phil Melugin: We have specialists who can care for children with a variety of conditions. We provide rehabilitative and education, among many other services.

Interviewing Experts: Where are Phoenix Home Care’s services available?

Phil Melugin: Our healthcare providers work in homes throughout Kansas and Missouri.

Interviewing Experts: How do I contact Phoenix Home Care?

Phil Melugin: You can visit our website at http://phoenixhomehc.com/ or call 417-881-7442. Our toll-free number is 855-881-7442.

Phil Melugin is a respected home healthcare administrator who has served on several boards, including a term as president of a statewide industry organization. Prior to founding Phoenix Home Care in 2011, Phil Melugin was president and co-owner of Integrity Home Care in Springfield, Missouri.