Everyone who avails of home health services is not necessarily someone who’s sick. An individual can require assistance for a plethora of reasons. This can range from old age to actual medical care. A doctor and the individual or their family determine the type of in home health services that an individual might require.
Home health services are a pretty sophisticated area of caretaking and medical services. Not many people know of the various services included in it. Read along for insight into this branch of medical services,
Types of home health service options
Home health care refers to a range of medical services available from the comfort of an individual’s home in case of illness or an accident. Home health care is typically affordable, convenient and effective as treatment received in a hospital or specialised care facilities.
In 2019-20, upwards of a million people over 65 availed of aged care or in-home care. This included various services. The most common in-home health services have been discussed below.
1. Home health aides
These professionals are available regularly to assist geriatric patients and the disabled in getting out of bed, bathing, eating and walking. As home health aides are often not qualified to provide medical care, a nurse usually closely monitors this service.
2. At-home physician care
In-home doctor visits are for people who necessitate a greater degree of medical care. This service entails licenced physicians making regular house calls to diagnose or treat illnesses or injuries. It is an incredibly useful option for those who require very specialised medical care at a moment’s notice.
In-home health firms may also provide transport to patients who need to be transported to and from a medical institution for treatments or physical exams.
3. Nursing care
Licenced nurses and certified nursing assistants provide the bulk of home health care. A caregiver is assigned to a single patient’s case under the supervision of a doctor to maintain the consistency of treatment.
After a physician has prepared and authorised a treatment plan, the nurse responds to the requirements of their patients within the comfort of the patient’s home. Nurses are trained to provide wound care, ostomy care, pain management, IV treatment, drug administration, and other medical support.
4. Companionship Services
In some circumstances, individuals do not require specialist medical care and yet require in-home care. Companionship services offer comfort and supervision to individuals who are lonely or who are at home alone for extended periods. They may also prepare simple meals and handle minor housekeeping duties in addition to offering companionship.
5. Dietary Support
As people age, they may develop dietary limitations that must be followed. This is when dieticians can visit their homes, assess their diet, and offer counselling to ensure they continue to acquire proper nutrition and remain in good health.
Wrapping it up
Home health care can be pretty practical, especially when a person requires critical medical and non-medical services in the convenience of their home. Anyone needing these services can simply contact an in-home healthcare firm.
Most in home health services firms offer all services under one roof. However, before obtaining home health care, individuals should consult their medical provider to ensure that this treatment is appropriate. They can get the required assistance as per the physician’s recommendation and personal requirements.
