THE IMPORTANCE OF HOME HEALTH CARE

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

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.

2. Safety, Comfort and Convenience

Research shows that elderly adults recover faster, with fewer complications, at home than in a hospital.

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.

4. Prevents Avoidable Trips to the Hospital

Older adults may be able to avoid unnecessary hospital visits by managing their health conditions at home.

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.

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.

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.