909-644-4965Maintaining Independence: Home-based care helps improve quality of life for patients and caregivers
Maintaining Independence: Home-based care helps improve quality of life for patients and caregivers
September 07, 2021
Our health is something we usually take for granted until something goes wrong. At some point in our lives, however, we all experience health issues. This can be a result of age, injury or illness and can occur at any time. We can’t predict when health issues will arise, but we can prepare for them in advance by becoming educated about care options.
Most people prefer to stay at home as they age, a recent AARP survey revealed. Yet only 59% of surveyed Americans 50 and older anticipate being able to stay in their current community. In reality, there are many different types of home-based care options with varying levels of support that can help people live at home safely while managing changes that come with aging, a chronic illness or a life-altering injury.
Types of Home-based Care
· Private Duty Home Care makes it possible to maintain independence at home while receiving assistance with daily living activities such as personal grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping and companionship, depending on a person’s needs.
· Skilled Home Health encompasses a wide range of health care services delivered in the convenience and privacy of the home by specially trained health care professionals. It is effective and efficient health care for people who have a chronic medical condition, disability, or are recovering from illness or injury.
· Palliative Care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness and is delivered based on the needs of the patient, regardless of age, stage of illness or injury, or prognosis. It can be administered as its own form of care or as an extra layer of support alongside a primary treatment plan.
· Complex Care Management is designed for patients with serious medical needs aimed at improving communication and care coordination to avoid hospitalizations. It bridges gaps in care with a collection of programs and initiatives that includes in-home provider and nursing visits, connecting members to specialists, identifying social determinants of care, medication management and access to a 24/7 triage team.
· Hospice is quality, compassionate care that takes a team approach to providing expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support personalized to each patient’s needs and wishes. Hospice can be provided in multiple settings such as the home, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Hospice is not a place but a philosophy of care.
Maintaining Independence, Improving Quality of Life
While most people want to stay at home as long as possible, there are several concerns that arise when difficulties like age, injury and illness arise. Common concerns include getting around, remaining safe, being able to complete basic daily living activities and managing costs. These concerns are greatly lessened when the appropriate level of in-home care is applied to fit the person’s care needs. Additionally, when recommended by a doctor, many insurance providers and/or Medicare provide full or partial coverage for home-based care.
Explore home-based care options.
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