Home healthcare is becoming increasingly important as it not only provides you with care and comfort when you are unwell, but it is also a way of keeping people healthy in their homes especially during this COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals are at or near capacity. Home healthcare involves having professional health care provider services right in your home. For many, hospitals are often not the most convenient or preferred location to receive care. This is especially true for patients with an underlying health condition that can make them more vulnerable to infectious diseases and viruses. The good news is that life-saving care can sometimes occur right in your own home.

Universally, home caregivers (also known as providers) are well known for their ability to provide their patients with skilled nursing care. They perform various tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, wound care, running errands, and even personal care such as bathing, dressing the patient, and ensuring their hygiene needs are met. Providers are also responsible for monitoring and management including medication management, health assessments, and other forms of care to ensure improvement in the health and well-being of the patient.

Many times, when patients leave the hospital, they are expected to own and manage their health and medical conditions by themselves or with the help of family. They go from a highly equipped medical environment to a non-medical environment, which can lead to unnecessary and avoidable hospitalization. Patient safety at home is just as important as patient safety at the hospital. Homecare provider’s services exist to provide formal and informal caregiving to people of all ages. Homecare providers, also known as homecare nurses and/or therapists, provide professional and skilled nursing care that substantially reduces the adverse effect that may cause further hospitalization. Here are a few reasons you might consider using home healthcare services, especially during a pandemic:

  • Limit your exposure: Being cared for in your own home is usually the most comfortable place for patients. It not only provides you with a familiar environment, but also reduces your chances of being exposed to this universal virus. The hospital can be unfavorable for patients at a time like this. For example, patients with lung diseases, seniors, or others who are vulnerable to the virus, may be better served at home where they are isolated from the masses.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Homecare is considered less expensive than hospitalization or other forms of health care such as nursing homes. This is because healthcare plans and routines are personalized according to your  budget.
  • One-on-one attention: The nature of homecare allows you or your loved one to be the primary focus of the caregiver. Their job is to ensure that your loved one is properly cared for. Whether the patient needs assistance for a few hours, or full-time in-home care, the plan of care is always designed to focus on the patients’ specific and unique needs.
  • Reduced chance of hospital readmission: Studies have shown that patients with a specific medical need receiving care at home have lower chances of being hospitalized or readmitted. Readmission tends to be lower due to reduced risk of infections and personalized care. There is also a reduced risk of COVID-19 exposure. Being in a familiar home environment also enables patients to recover faster in the comfort of their own homes.

If you or your loved one is interested in home health provider services, contact us to today to get started. Our mission is to assist you in achieving the highest level of potential in your day-today activities.