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Medicare-Covered Service

Medicare Maintenance Therapy

Long-term in-home therapy to prevent functional decline and reduce falls. Covered by Medicare — even when improvement is not expected.

Many patients with chronic or progressive conditions are told they no longer qualify for therapy because they have stopped improving. That is not true. Medicare covers maintenance therapy when a skilled therapist is needed to maintain function, prevent decline, or ensure the safety of a maintenance program. Five Star's Maintenance Therapy program provides ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy in your home — for as long as it is medically necessary. There is no time limit and no out-of-pocket cost under traditional Medicare.

Why Maintenance Therapy

Maintain Your
Independence.
Prevent Decline.

Prevent functional decline in patients with chronic conditions
Reduce falls and fall-related hospitalizations
Maintain mobility, strength, and independence long-term
Medicare covers maintenance therapy — most patients pay nothing
Skilled therapists design programs specific to your condition
Care is delivered in your home — no driving to clinics

What We Provide

Skilled Therapy Services

Every therapy program is designed by a licensed therapist and tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Physical Therapy

Maintain strength, balance, and mobility.

Gait TrainingBalance ProgramsStrength MaintenanceFall Prevention
Occupational Therapy

Preserve independence in daily activities.

Daily Living SkillsHome SafetyAdaptive TechniquesEnergy Conservation
Speech-Language Pathology

Maintain communication and swallowing function.

Speech MaintenanceSwallowing SafetyCognitive ExercisesVoice Therapy
Fall Prevention Program

Comprehensive assessment and intervention to reduce fall risk.

Home AssessmentBalance TrainingHazard RemovalAssistive Devices
Chronic Condition Support

Therapy designed around your specific diagnosis.

Parkinson'sMultiple SclerosisStroke RecoveryArthritis Management
Caregiver Education

Training family members to support therapy goals between visits.

Exercise GuidanceTransfer TechniquesSafety ProtocolsProgress Tracking

How It Works

Getting Started Is Easy

Three simple steps to long-term therapy support at home.

1
Call Us

Contact our office and a Nurse Navigator will assess your therapy needs, verify Medicare coverage, and schedule your evaluation — no referral needed.

2
Therapist Evaluation

A licensed therapist visits your home, evaluates your current function, and designs a personalized maintenance program to prevent decline.

3
Ongoing Therapy at Home

Your therapist visits regularly to deliver skilled therapy, adjust your program, and ensure you maintain the highest possible level of function.

Who Benefits

Is Maintenance Therapy Right for You?

Maintenance therapy helps patients and families in these common situations.

🧠
Neurological Conditions

Patients with Parkinson's, MS, or post-stroke who need ongoing therapy to maintain function and prevent further decline.

🦴
Arthritis and Joint Disease

Patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who need regular therapy to maintain mobility and manage pain.

❤️
Heart and Lung Disease

Patients with heart failure or COPD who benefit from ongoing exercise and breathing programs to maintain endurance.

⚠️
Fall Risk

Patients who have fallen or are at high risk of falling and need ongoing balance and strength training to stay safe.

🏥
Post-Rehabilitation

Patients who completed a course of restorative therapy but need continued skilled care to maintain their gains.

🧬
Progressive Conditions

Patients with conditions that worsen over time, where skilled therapy can slow the rate of functional decline.

Did You Know

Facts About Maintenance Therapy

In 2014, a landmark court ruling (Jimmo v. Sebelius) confirmed that Medicare must cover maintenance therapy when skilled care is needed to maintain function or prevent decline — even if the patient is not expected to improve.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older. Regular in-home physical therapy focused on balance and strength can reduce fall risk by up to 40%.

Medicare covers maintenance therapy at 100% under Part A. There is no copay, no deductible, and no time limit — as long as a skilled therapist is needed to safely and effectively carry out the maintenance program.

Many patients are incorrectly told they no longer qualify for therapy because they have stopped improving. Under Medicare rules, maintenance of function is a valid and covered reason for skilled therapy.

Do Not Wait for a Fall or a Setback

Contact us to find out if maintenance therapy is right for you. Our Nurse Navigator will assess your needs and verify your Medicare coverage — no referral required.

Request Care

A live person answers 24/7. No voicemail. No call centers. We'll respond promptly.

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For immediate assistance, call 703-662-7500 (24/7).