Medicare defines homebound to mean that leaving the home requires a considerable and taxing effort, such as needing crutches, a walker, wheelchair, or help from another person. Whether or not you qualify as homebound is decided by a doctor’s evaluation of your condition over an extended period of time, not on a daily or weekly basis.

Leaving home for medical treatment and attending a licensed or accredited adult day care or religious service is always permitted. Leaving home for short periods of time or for special non-medical events, such as a family reunion, funeral or graduation, should not exclude you from being considered homebound. Taking an occasional trip to the barber or beauty parlor is also allowed.