The recent years have seen the significant rise of Home Health Care in the U.S. According to Home Health Care News, U.S. expenditures on Home Health Care are projected to hit $186.8 billion by 2027. Though about 44 million Americans dedicate approximately 37 billion hours to their adult family members or friends with injuries and chronic illnesses, many find it hard to juggle the demands of daily life and caregiver duties. As a result, they opt for Home Health Care as it is considered as one of the safest and most affordable caregiving solutions. But what exactly is Home Health Care and who may need it? As experts in private duty skilled nursing services and in-home care in Atlanta, Georgia, Trinity Life at Home has been asked this question a lot. So, we want to help you better understand this type of service.
Home Health Care Defined
While you may understand the term “Home Health Care” as care provided in a patient’s home, it actually means much more. Home Health Care services often include a wide range of medical services such as nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and Home Health Aide visits (usually one hour). Home Health Care is prescribed by a doctor, hospital or skilled nursing facility. These services are covered by Medicare and private insurance.
Types of Home Health Care Services
Nursing Care
This kind of service is performed by Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who will work closely with the physicians to execute a health care plan in the comfort of the patient’s home. Nursing care may include wound dressing, insulin injections, medication administration, ostomy care, catheter care and many other types of health support.
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
Whether a patient faces impairment in their speech or motor skills, therapies provided in a patient’s environment can do wonders for their progress. The goal is to regain the ability to perform the activities of daily living and gradually progress so the patient can gain back some independence.
Why Is Home Health Care Important?
Better Recovery
According to a study published by UCLA researchers in 2016, patients who were referred to Home Health Care after a hospital discharge experienced better health outcomes. Recovery at home helps provide the patient with a sense of familiarity. Nurses and/or therapists will closely monitor the patient’s progress and make customized changes that will fit into their routine.
Lower Cost
While the average cost of care from a skilled nursing facility is $544 dollars per day, the average cost of Home Health Care per visit is $132 dollars, according to the National Association of Home Care & Hospice. Though the median cost of Home Health Care varies between states, it is the most affordable options for many households. Often times the cost of Home Health Care can be covered by Medicare and private insurance.
How is Home Health Care Different From In-Home Care?
In-Home Care, such as what is provided by Trinity Life At Home, is a set of support services that allows your loved one to live in their home safely with the help of a trained professional. Often the home care giver will provide assistance in daily tasks such as bathing and personal-care; preparing meals, mobility assistance and companion care. An In-Home caregiver can be optimal in providing assistance for:
- An aging senior adult
- Someone suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Persons with chronic health issues or disabilities
- A person needing surgical aftercare through private duty skilled nursing
Trinity Life at Home – Your Trusted In-Home Care Provider in Atlanta, Georgia
As a leader in private duty skilled nursing services and home care provider in Alpharetta, Trinity Life at Home prides itself on giving your loved ones with the highest quality care services. Our skillfully trained staff are here to help ensure a safe environment with trusted, dedicated home care services for our clients.
If you are considering private duty, skilled nursing services or home care services for a loved one, please contact us or give us a call at (678) 731-0831. You can also follow us on Facebook and learn more about our Trinity Life at Home community.