Whether you’re an aging senior or caring for someone with special needs, it can be hard to keep up with all of the doctor’s visits. It’s also a big responsibility to ensure that you or your loved one is taking their medications on time and properly. An in-home caregiver can help with this and more, improving your or your loved one’s quality of life.

Home health care can be a critical part of an individual’s recovery from surgery, illness or injury. It’s often a short-term solution that can help people get back on their feet after a hospital stay or avoid the need for nursing home admission. In addition to skilled services, like physical, occupational and speech therapy, home health can provide personal care and support activities such as meal preparation, bathing and dressing.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Moreland Hills Home Health Care Services, patients may be eligible for home health care if they have been released from the hospital and are considered “homebound.” The patient must have a need for skilled home health care services and be assessed by a healthcare provider who agrees that their condition requires home health care and that the services can be safely provided in the home.

Patients who receive home health care may need reminders to take their medications, help preparing meals and getting dressed, and assistance with transferring or ambulation. They may need help managing their medication and equipment, such as a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty bathing or using the toilet. Home health aides and nurses can assist with these tasks, and often have additional training in the specific medical conditions they treat.

Home health aides and nurses can also provide social work and case management services, helping the patient find community resources and assisting with budgeting or financial planning. They can also refer the patient to a counselor if needed, and make sure that the patient has access to any prescriptions or supplies they need.

The benefits of Home Health Care

Aside from allowing the patient to remain at home, home health care can save both money and time. Visiting the hospital can be a stressful and inconvenient experience, and it’s not always possible to see a specialist immediately. In-home health care can help alleviate this burden and reduce readmission rates, which is a primary goal of any value-based payment model.

To qualify for home health care, a doctor must refer the patient to an agency that is licensed by the state and seeks additional accreditation to show that they meet quality standards. The agency will then assign a nurse to assess the patient and develop a plan of care. The nurse will be available to answer any questions and concerns that the patient or family has and provide advice on what to expect during treatment. This helps to build trust and ensure that the patient receives high-quality care. It also gives the patient peace of mind that they can rely on someone to be there for them.