Home health care keeps older adults who are recovering from injuries or managing acute or chronic health conditions where they want to be – at home. There are also several other benefits of home health care, including:
1. Greater Independence
Older adults may not admit they’re struggling because they don’t want to lose their independence. One of the primary benefits of home health care is that it helps older adults continue doing everyday tasks like walking, bathing, dressing and preparing meals. This way, they can live independently at home as long as possible.
2. Safety, Comfort and Convenience
Research shows that elderly adults recover faster, with fewer complications, at home than in a hospital. With home health care, patients can get help managing their medications. This prevents harmful drug interactions, which can help you avoid going to the hospital. An occupational therapist can help create a safe environment to reduce the risk of falls. Being at home allows older adults to stick to their routines in familiar surroundings and maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
3. Relief for Family Caregivers
The benefits of home health care also extend to family caregivers. Home health aides can help with bathing, dressing and other daily tasks. This relieves some of the burden on family caregivers. The home health team can also educate family members about how to provide follow-up care and connect them with helpful resources. This type of support provides peace of mind and protects against caregiver burnout.
4. Prevents Avoidable Trips to the Hospital
Older adults may be able to avoid unnecessary hospital visits by managing their health conditions at home. Home health care helps by providing regular monitoring and education. Patients also have 24/7 access to a professional they can call if they’re having troublesome symptoms and aren’t sure what to do.
5. Saves Money
Avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital saves money. Home health care can also save money by delaying or preventing the need for nursing home care or other more intensive types of care. The costs of home health care are covered by Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage payors and private insurance for eligible patients.
6. High Quality
An important benefit of home health care is that it is grounded in evidence-based practices and standards of care to make sure patients receive the right care at the right time in their home. You can check quality scores on Care Compare.
7. Personalized Care
Patients receive one-on-one attention and a care plan that is tailored to their specific needs. This makes treatment more effective and builds trust among the patient, caregiver and home health care team.
8. Team of Professionals
Nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and aides make up the home health care team, with oversight by a physician. Each team member is carefully screened and trained. Patients can see these professionals without having to go to a doctor’s office, rehabilitation facility or hospital.
9. Wide Range of Services
Home health care includes comprehensive clinical care. From skilled nursing and therapy to wound care and medication management, patients can receive a wide variety of treatments at home.
10. Companionship
In addition to receiving visits from the home health care team, it’s easier for friends and relatives to visit an elderly loved one in their home than in the hospital or at a facility. With no time restrictions or set visiting hours, patients get more social interaction. This combats loneliness and brings families together.
Credit: amedysis
