Home health care is a service that allows people with disabilities or chronic conditions to stay in their homes. It may include assistance with daily living, therapy, and social support. The services are provided by licensed professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and therapists.
Some patients need help with their everyday activities, while others need more intensive assistance. A physician or a registered nurse will assess the patient and develop a plan of care. In some cases, the doctor will even visit the patient at their home. In other cases, the patient will receive medical equipment to be used in the home, such as an X-ray machine.
Home health care workers must be personable, responsible, and compassionate. They also need to respect the patient’s right to privacy. Depending on the patient’s needs, these services can be performed as a one-time visit, as an ongoing service, or even as part of a long-term nursing facility.
For instance, if a patient has a chronic condition, he or she will need adaptive equipment, such as a wheelchair or cane. Additionally, the patient might require a diet that is specially designed for that Home Health Care condition. A dietitian can help provide guidance to support the patient’s treatment plan.
Licensed home health care is often covered by Medicare. In addition, private insurance plans may cover a portion of the costs of home health services. The cost of home health care is usually less than that of hospital care. It is also easier to access. If you have a family member who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic disease, it is a good idea to consider home health care. You can get referrals from friends and family, and you can speak with a trusted advisor.
Those with a long-term illness, such as cancer, can benefit from home health care. This is especially important if they cannot get the care they need in a traditional medical setting. It can help them remain in their homes and keep them connected to their families and community.
A house call physician can come to the home or to an assisted living facility, and they can be available by phone at all hours of the day. These visits are typically scheduled on weekdays, but they can be scheduled as needed. During the visit, a physician can evaluate the patient’s medical and physical condition, prescribe medication, and monitor conditions. If changes occur in the patient’s behavior, it can be documented.
Some patients will only need a short visit once or twice a week. In other cases, a patient may need 24-hour care. In these cases, the patient cannot leave the home without the assistance of a nurse or aide. Depending on the patient’s needs, a home health aide can provide assistance for basic personal needs, or they can offer more specialized help, such as a nurse’s aide.
Some types of services are available outside the home, such as laboratory tests. There are also companies that can provide transportation to and from the medical facility.