There really is no place like home. And that even goes for medical services — your own living room is probably a lot more comfortable and accommodating than a hospital or doctor’s office. That’s where at-home health care comes into play. Individuals of many ages and with a variety of medical needs are recognizing the benefits home health care has to offer. If you’re looking into this solution for yourself or your loved one, you’ve likely discovered that there’s a lot involved with home care services — but don’t worry, we’ll cover what you need to know here.
What Are Home Care Services?
Home care involves a collection of health care services that don’t require the patient to go to a health care provider. Instead, a nurse or other health care professional comes to the patient’s home. Medical procedures like vaccinations, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental counseling, and much more make up home health care. And while different providers will be able to accommodate for different services, home health care generally encompasses any procedure you wouldn’t need heavy or very specialized equipment to complete (like an MRI).
Relatives of elderly individuals or someone with a disability often appreciate home care services, because they allow their loved ones to maintain independence while still receiving quality care, but, as we’ll discuss below, home care isn’t just for those patients.
Governmental organizations like Medicare, nongovernmental organizations, and private agencies are all entities that provide home health care. It’s often more convenient than receiving care from a traditional facility and just as effective.
Who Are Home Care Services for?
Some patients use at-home services for hospice treatment, others because they have trouble leaving the house, and still others simply because it is a more convenient solution than visiting a doctor’s office. More specifically, these services are a great fit for the following types of people:
- Individuals who have just returned home from a surgical procedure or extended hospital stay
- Persons with physical or mental disabilities who may have trouble leaving their home
- New mothers and their babies
- Older patients who may have medical concerns but are still able to live in their own home
- Individuals receiving hospice care
Home care services certainly aren’t limited to patients meeting these criteria. As long as an individual doesn’t need a procedure where they’re required to be in a traditional medical facility, he or she can hire a home care professional to perform the service.
Who Comes to My Home for These Procedures?
There are a few types of individuals involved in home health visits. These include the following:
- Registered nurses (RNs): RNs perform medical procedures like vaccinations, exams, and other services requiring a specialized medical license.
- Personal care attendants (PCAs): These individuals assist patients with everyday activities, like taking care of themselves or their home.
- Licensed vocational or practical nurses (LVN/LPN): These nurses focus on personal care and basic examinations (like checking a patient’s vital signs).
- Occupational therapists (OTs): These individuals are trained professionals that help persons with disabilities/difficulties learn life skills like bathing or housekeeping.
- Physical therapists (PTs): PTs help patients who have suffered injuries regain the ability to move normally.
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Are you wondering if it’s time to make home care services a part of your or your loved one’s medical plan? Are you uncertain which service fits your needs?
If you want to learn more about the different kinds of home care services, take a look at what Phoenix Home Care & Hospice has to offer. We can accommodate for a number of services ranging from hospice to pediatric care to other home services, and we have licensed professionals across the country in Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, and Kansas. To get more information on what we can provide, get in touch with us at 855-881-7442, or visit us online. We look forward to connecting with you.
