Home healthcare is an ideal way to receive the personalized attention you need in the comfort of your own home. Not only does it save money on healthcare services, but it can also help manage illnesses or injuries more effectively.
Home healthcare services are provided by a specialized team of nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists trained to deliver care directly to you at home. Each professional has been carefully selected and monitored for quality assurance purposes to guarantee the highest standard of service is delivered.
Medications
Medication management is an integral component of home healthcare. From helping patients understand when and how to take their medications to ensuring they take them correctly, medication management plays a significant role in providing high-quality home healthcare services.
Medication complexity is on the rise, with many patients having multiple medical conditions, polypharmacy and multiple prescribing physicians. A recent study concluded that coordinated medication management by home care providers can make a major difference in patient safety and reduce costs.
Medication Management
Medication management is an essential aspect of home healthcare. Missing a dose, not filling a prescription, or taking the wrong medication can have serious repercussions such as negative symptoms, side effects, and an increased likelihood of falls or hospitalization.
Recent research has demonstrated how home healthcare providers can enhance medication management for older adults, leading to better health outcomes and fewer hospitalizations. To accomplish this goal, they must coordinate patient medications, delegate tasks, and address more complex medical treatments.
Nutrition
Nutrition is an integral part of home healthcare. Not only can it help prevent illness from starting or relapsing, but it can also expedite recovery times.
Malnutrition can have a significant effect on an older person’s health and quality of life, including increased hospitalization rates and readmission rates as well as costs. Preventing malnutrition before it becomes an issue will save time, money and improve patient outcomes.
A recent study has revealed that when home healthcare patients were screened for malnutrition, educated, and provided with a nutrition care plan, they were 18% less likely to be hospitalized within 90 days. This finding highlights how home health agencies can collaborate with hospitals and other post-acute care institutions in order to prioritize nutrition care for patients.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an integral part of home healthcare, helping patients regain mobility and function after surgery, injury or other medical issues.
Additionally, exercising promotes good health and lowers the likelihood of falls, among other advantages.
However, the introduction of Medicare regulations has led some home health agencies to reduce or neglect visits, potentially violating Medicare’s conditions for participation.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that assists individuals in regaining the abilities needed for daily activities. It may be particularly helpful for those suffering from medical conditions like autism, dementia or severe injuries.
OTs strive to enhance people’s physical, social and emotional capacities so they can engage in activities they desire. Additionally, OTs reduce pain, promote mobility and encourage self-care practices.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is an integral component of home healthcare, treating people with communication, language, swallowing, hearing and cognitive disorders. Not only does it help patients regain their communication abilities but it also improves their mental and physical wellbeing too.
Patients can benefit from verbal and written expression, auditory processing skills, sensory and reading comprehension levels, attention spans, memories and problem-solving capabilities. Furthermore, it improves their quality of life by enabling them to remain at home with family and friends around them.
Transportation
Transportation is an essential aspect of health, particularly for patients who require special medical care. Whether it’s a long and time-consuming drive to an appointment or lack of access to transport, transportation barriers can negatively impact access to medical services.
There are several methods to increase healthcare access through transportation. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) software, for instance, offers transport facilities to those who cannot or won’t pay for traditional service options or are too costly for them.
Personal Care
Personal care refers to any assistance you or a loved one requires with everyday activities, such as bathing, toileting and eating. It can be an invaluable way to maintain independence while keeping you healthy at home.
In-home care providers will assess your care requirements and craft a personalized plan of action to meet them. You have the option to work with an agency or hire a caregiver on an independent basis.