Making the Best of Your Home Health Care

| Friday, December 2, 2011
By Laura Bonson


Many aged individuals and their families prefer to utilize specialized health care in the privacy of their own homes. Home health care is a rapidly growing industry in that it has rewarding advantages, to include expected quality care. Elderly who are recovering from a medical emergency or suffering with a chronic disease are especially vulnerable and meets the criterion for becoming homebound patients.

A certified home care agency possesses a culture of patient- focused care. The elderly and their family will be involved in the decision- making process, while the agency develops individualized treatment plans. The agency must employ a system that encourages and educates patients as well as the family to ensure that both are comfortable and safe. Home health providers treat each patient with respect and incorporate all rights.

The ailing seniors often choose in- home senior care over nursing homes or other long- term care. Equally, most family members prefer certified in- home medical care for loved ones. Opting in- home care is a challenging decision, yet it offers the skills and resources to adequately accommodate the elderly medical needs. The service occurs in a familiar environment and enables seniors to endure well- adjusted lives.

The assisted living or nursing homes also provide a plethora of medical services and benefits. A senior care facility is referred by primary physicians to discuss the patient's needs, desires, living preferences, and budget. To help make the most of an elderly remaining years, the family would want a community that is comforting, fits one's personality, and affordable.

Nursing facilities are not constructed for privacy and cannot sustain a home- like environment. It is challenging for families to find that "perfect fit" facility and in most occasions, nursing homes are utilized for crisis situations. Although elderly patients receive round- the- clock assistance in residential facilities, it does not offer individual attention or encourage autonomy. According to national studies, the residential facilities are far more expensive and does not allow for flexibility.

Home care agencies also employ health care aides to help the patient and family with normal daily tasks. The life assistance tasks may include respite care, monitor diet and eating, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and running errands. Aids offer one-on-one companionship for maintaining socialization and to keep some autonomy. The seniors depend on home helpers to assist with entertaining and planning trips.

Homebound patients' make- up about 12million Americans as they prefer home care as opposed to residing in a long- term facility. Home care agencies encourage each patient to participate in their own care. With disease management programs and advanced clinical technology, home services offer effective quality measures. Quality measures guarantee that the agency is certified to provide quality care.

The advantages of home health care are significant in that they enhance the lives of the disabling adults. Caregivers are also involved and educated about their loved ones medical needs. As the number one form of elder care in the United States, in-home healthcare services have outranked residential care.




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