Learn About Home Health Care
Sunday, February 12, 2012
By Adriana Noton
The increased life expectancy and the growing aging population in the U. S., home health care becomes more popular. According to authorities, about 80 percent of seniors still live independently in their homes. This most likely means even more demand for these types of services.
It is not only the elderly who could benefit from these services. The ages and circumstances of the patients vary widely, from pediatric to geriatric. The type of assistance also varies broadly depending on the needs in each situation. For example, a patient may need only some short-term help with recovery after surgery. The main thing is that that care is all delivered at the patient's home.
Experts cite several benefits of these arrangements. A home visit is more convenient for someone who is housebound. Familiar surroundings can aid in a quicker recovery. And the extra attention encourages the patients to become more involved in their own treatment. Still, it may not be the best alternative in every case.
People are not always clear on what home health care actually means. Sometimes patients are not even advised of the opportunity, and don't realize they have any choice other than to go to a nursing home. Still others appear to think it means round-the-clock care is provided. The actual visits are intermittent, with the frequency based on the patient's needs and the doctor's wishes. In some cases the patient may need other caregivers.
A home health agency works with the doctor to coordinate a plan of treatment with the patient. They will send a staff member to the house to help decide which services are needed, how often they are done, and who will provide them. The arrangements are made based on doctor's orders and patient's condition.
Some of the customary assistance offered by the agencies is skilled nursing, speech or occupational therapy and physical therapy. All the necessary medical equipment is included in the treatment. And medical social services and home health aides commonly play a role.
Patients can expect the nurse to assess and stay apprised of their condition. They can also expect to be educated about their medication, dietary or other needs. Some of the other duties of the nurse might be surgical wound care, infusions or injections. Hospice care is included in the plan when warranted.
Expert therapists may also be part of the team. Stroke patients and those with developmental disabilities are among those who could receive occupational therapy. Speech therapy might be needed for someone with a swallowing disorder, and respiratory treatments could be administered to a patient with breathing difficulties.
Other types of help are home health aides who play a supportive role in the patient's personal hygiene needs. Someone might provide occasional cooking, light housekeeping and shopping for the homebound patient. Social services can offer emotional support and other resources.
The patient has the right to choose the home health care agency. Sometimes the choices are limited by insurance restrictions or agency availability in the patient's community. Agencies may vary greatly in their operations and in what they are able to provide.
Medicare or Medicaid and other private insurance generally cover the costs for those eligible for thome health care Toronto. Medical costs are usually much lower than in a facility, but the benefits are based on certain requirements. The number of visits may reach a limit, requiring the patient or a family member to learn how to continue the treatments.
It is not only the elderly who could benefit from these services. The ages and circumstances of the patients vary widely, from pediatric to geriatric. The type of assistance also varies broadly depending on the needs in each situation. For example, a patient may need only some short-term help with recovery after surgery. The main thing is that that care is all delivered at the patient's home.
Experts cite several benefits of these arrangements. A home visit is more convenient for someone who is housebound. Familiar surroundings can aid in a quicker recovery. And the extra attention encourages the patients to become more involved in their own treatment. Still, it may not be the best alternative in every case.
People are not always clear on what home health care actually means. Sometimes patients are not even advised of the opportunity, and don't realize they have any choice other than to go to a nursing home. Still others appear to think it means round-the-clock care is provided. The actual visits are intermittent, with the frequency based on the patient's needs and the doctor's wishes. In some cases the patient may need other caregivers.
A home health agency works with the doctor to coordinate a plan of treatment with the patient. They will send a staff member to the house to help decide which services are needed, how often they are done, and who will provide them. The arrangements are made based on doctor's orders and patient's condition.
Some of the customary assistance offered by the agencies is skilled nursing, speech or occupational therapy and physical therapy. All the necessary medical equipment is included in the treatment. And medical social services and home health aides commonly play a role.
Patients can expect the nurse to assess and stay apprised of their condition. They can also expect to be educated about their medication, dietary or other needs. Some of the other duties of the nurse might be surgical wound care, infusions or injections. Hospice care is included in the plan when warranted.
Expert therapists may also be part of the team. Stroke patients and those with developmental disabilities are among those who could receive occupational therapy. Speech therapy might be needed for someone with a swallowing disorder, and respiratory treatments could be administered to a patient with breathing difficulties.
Other types of help are home health aides who play a supportive role in the patient's personal hygiene needs. Someone might provide occasional cooking, light housekeeping and shopping for the homebound patient. Social services can offer emotional support and other resources.
The patient has the right to choose the home health care agency. Sometimes the choices are limited by insurance restrictions or agency availability in the patient's community. Agencies may vary greatly in their operations and in what they are able to provide.
Medicare or Medicaid and other private insurance generally cover the costs for those eligible for thome health care Toronto. Medical costs are usually much lower than in a facility, but the benefits are based on certain requirements. The number of visits may reach a limit, requiring the patient or a family member to learn how to continue the treatments.
About the Author:
If someone you know needs senior care Toronto services, contact the leading professional home care services Toronto providers. They have professionals who will determine specific service packages suited for your needs.
Posted byBertie at 4:16 AM
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