how-to
How to Get In-Home Physical Therapy Services for Seniors
Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Quick Summary
In-home physical therapy brings a licensed therapist to the place where a senior lives, so care happens where recovery and daily life actually take place. This means less travel, less fatigue, and more practice in the kitchen, bathroom and hallway they use every day.
- Home visits focus on walking safely around the house and getting in and out of a chair, bed or tub.
- Therapy also covers climbing stairs to reach bedrooms and building strength after a hospital stay or surgery.
- Home visits work best when a family member or caregiver can help carry out exercises between sessions.
- Families can reach out to the team to schedule a visit or check whether service covers their area.
Table of Contents
In-home physical therapy services bring a licensed therapist to the place where a senior lives, so care happens in the setting where recovery and daily life actually take place. For many older adults, that means less travel, less fatigue and more practice in the kitchen, bathroom and hallway they use every day.
Many families assume physical therapy only happens in a clinic. Guidance on fall prevention and home safety from the CDC STEADI fall prevention program is a useful starting point for understanding why these risks matter for older adults.
Evaluation, treatment, and home safety assessment
- Walking safely around the house
- Getting in and out of a chair, bed or tub
- Climbing stairs to reach bedrooms
- Building strength after a hospital stay or surgery (Source: the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines the requirements for home health services)
How it differs from outpatient therapy
The trade-off is that home visits work best when a family member or caregiver can help carry out the exercises between sessions. When you're ready, reach out to our team to schedule your visit. Residents can also see our DuPage County, IL coverage. Check whether we visit your area on our Will County, IL service page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do in-home physical therapy services include?
In-home physical therapy typically starts with an evaluation of strength, balance, mobility, and daily function in the home setting. The therapist then builds a treatment plan that may include exercises, gait and transfer training, pain management, and recommendations for safety equipment such as grab bars or a walker. Visits are scheduled around the patient's needs, and the therapist usually shares progress updates with the physician who ordered care. Pricing and visit frequency vary, so confirm details directly with the provider.
Does Medicare cover in-home physical therapy?
Medicare Part A and Part B may cover physical therapy delivered at home when it is provided as part of a home health episode and the patient is homebound and under a physician's plan of care. Coverage depends on individual eligibility and medical necessity, and it does not cover every service a family might want, such as ongoing non-skilled help. Check your current benefits and the official Medicare.gov resources, or ask the provider to verify coverage before services begin.
Can a home health aide provide physical therapy?
A home health aide generally assists with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers, and does not perform physical therapy. A licensed physical therapist must design and direct therapeutic exercise and treatment. In many cases, the two work together: the therapist sets goals and the aide helps the patient practice safe movement and daily routines between visits, under the supervision of the care team.
How do I choose an in-home physical therapy provider?
Start by confirming that the therapist is licensed in Illinois and that the agency accepts your insurance or clearly explains private-pay rates. Ask how the therapist communicates with your physician and with any other clinicians involved, and how often progress is reviewed. Good questions also include how care is adjusted when a condition changes and how family members are kept informed. Request a free assessment to compare how each provider approaches your loved one's specific needs.
