|
ALL ABOUT HOME CARE
Home care provides people with health care and health-related services in their own homes. As a result, many people of all ages can lead healthier, happier, more independent lives.
10 reasons why home care becomes more popular every day
- Patients can come home from the hospital sooner.
- Patients can sometimes avoid having to go to the hospital or a nursing home.
- Patients are more comfortable at home.
- Patients can enjoy the support of family and friends.
- Families can stay together during trying times.
- Morale is better at home.
- Recoveries are often faster at home.
- Patients and family members can be more involved with treatment.
- Patients can enjoy a higher level of personal independence.
- Home health care costs significantly less than many other forms of care.
Top of page
The hospital as we know it today is a relatively modern institution. The home setting was always a primary site for health care in the past. The first home health care agencies were started in the 1880s. Many of the "visiting nurses" from these pioneer agencies served immigrant populations who had limited (or no) access to health services.
There are more than 20,000 home care agencies and hospices today. The services they provide range from personal care services, respite services for family caregivers, and medical equipment and supplies to more sophisticated services that include IV therapies. The future promises to make even more services available in the home thanks to continuing advances in technology such as home telehealth.
Top of Page
Home Health Care
Home health care is a very personal form of healthcare. A treatment plan is developed for each individual patient. What's more, by working in the patient's own home environment, the health care provider can gain valuable insights to improve treatment and help the patient live a healthier, more independent life at home.
Patient and family education are an important part of home health care. The involvement of the patient and family members in the treatment plan often improves the effectiveness of the plan.
All services are provided under the direction of the patient's doctor. Services are provided by trained professionals such as:
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech pathologists
- Home health aides
- Medical social workers
- Dietitians
In Indiana, Home Health Agencies are required to have a State license.
Personal Care Services
Perhaps the fastest growing area of Home Care include non-medical services intended to assist clients (note the term "clients" - not "patients") with activities of daily living and/or to maintain independence of the client. These services are often referred to as private duty, personal services, attendant care, or a similar name.
Specific services offered may include assistance with bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, getting around, homemaking, and even companionship. Services may include reminders to take medicine or assistance in administering pre-dosed medicine. Consumers and families should be aware, however, that these activities have limits and providers may be restricted in scope by state law. Generally, the key word is assistance. Once the care moves from "assistance with bathing" to "bathing," for example, a licensed home health agency should be involved.
Beginning in 2006, Indiana providers of personal services are required to be licensed by the State.
There have been estimates that there may be as many providers of these services as there as home health and agencies (see the 20,000 figure above) in the country.
Top of page
There are a number of ways home health care can be paid for --
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Workers' Compensation
- Private insurance
- Veterans' benefits
- Self-pay
Top of page
Basic Services
Skilled nursing. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses provide professional nursing care for an entire range of medical needs. Working under the direction of the patient's doctor, the nurse implements the plan of care.
Physical therapy. Physical therapists and PT assistants work to help patients regain physical function and improve range of motion. Therapists may help patients with gait training, use of wheelchairs, walkers, artificial limbs, etc., and pain control.
Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists and OT assistants help each patient learn to better perform activities of daily living. These activities include eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
Speech pathology. Through an effective speech program, patients learn to better use and comprehend language. Enhanced written, spoken, and nonverbal communication helps patients gain greater independence and improved quality of life.
Home health aides. Home health aides provide patients with personal care services such as grooming, bathing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Aides also under the direction of a licensed professional also do some treatments such as simple dressing changes as colostolmy care. Such services not only help the patient feel better but also contribute to the patient's overall health and well-being.
Medical social work. Medical social workers can provide patients and families with practical assistance with problems they encounter. The help they provide can often help families obtain additional community services.
Dietary counseling. Nutritionists counsel patients about dietary needs. Proper diet and nutrition improve health and can help control serious medical problems.
Durable medical equipment and supplies. Necessary equipment and supplies are delivered right to the patients' homes. Trained staff set up equipment and provide instruction for its use.
Infusion therapy. IV therapies and enteral feeding can be performed at home. Trained professionals administer treatment and/or train patients and families.
Personal Care Attendants. Patient care attendants provide assistance with personal care services, companion services and housekeeping services.
|
