Understanding HOME CARE
Home care can be for anyone - individuals and families of all ages who are challenged by a variety of health and social problems such as short or long term illness, injury, physical impairments, mental health disorders and chemical dependencies.
Generally, home care is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay home, but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends. An increasing number of people, electing to live independent lives, are taking advantage of home care services as their physical capabilities diminish or they become terminally ill. Younger adults with disabilities or those recuperating from acute illness are also choosing home care.
The chronically ill and children are benefiting from sophisticated medical treatment in their loving and secure home environments. Thanks to the success of modern technology, yielding state-of-the-art medical equipment for use in the home and the technicians who are trained to operate such equipment, more people are able to leave institutions or avoid ever having to enter them. They can be cared for safely and effectively in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by the ones they love.
You may benefit from home care services if you or a loved one is:
* In need of assistance to live independently at home
* Recovering from a recent illness
* Discharged from a hospital or nursing home, but need additional care
* Terminally ill and wishes to die in the comfort of their own home
So what exactly is an in home service agency?
To help evaluate that question, it is important to know the categories of care that are available. Home care encompasses a wide range of health and social services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Home care services may be either skilled (non-medical) or skilled (medical) services such as:
* Nursing
* Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
* Home Medical Equipment
* Personal Care
* Housekeeping
* Infusion and Respiratory Therapy
* Respite
* Hospice
* Mobile Diagnostic
* Counseling
Who provides home care?
Private Duty Home Care: Provides services, which are desired and purchased by the individual, such as nursing care, personal care or housekeeping services. Private duty services may be skilled health or non-skilled (non-medical).
Home Medical Equipment Supplier: Provides equipment and supplies, such as beds, wheelchairs, oxygen, wound care, diabetic and ostomy.
Hospice: Provides a team of health care professionals and volunteers who offer comprehensive physical, psychosocial and spiritual care for patients at the end of life. Quality of life is enhanced by relief of pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Mobile Diagnostic: Provides x-ray, ultrasound, heart studies and laboratory services at home.
Infusion Therapy: Provides services and medication, such as intravenous antibiotic therapy. Payment for services may be through
Licensing or Accrediting Home Care
Hospice agencies are required to be licensed in
Keep in mind that an agency decision not to become certified does not imply that it provides poor care. In many cases, these agencies adhere to their own set of high standards, but those seeking a home care provider should ask more questions to determine if the agency is right for them or their loved one.
Accreditation is a voluntary process that signifies that the agency has met national industry standards. Agencies may be accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), the
Staying at home is the popular choice for elderly, disabled or injured patients. Home care helps people stay out of the hospital. In fact, home care is both the preferred choice and lowest cost choice for patients needing care.
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