Over the last few years, there has been a dramatic shift in the US healthcare industry from traditional patient care models to home health care. This transition has been fueled by several factors, including advances in medical technology, an aging population, and a growing preference by patients and families for in-home care.
As the healthcare landscape is forever reshaped, what does that mean for those living in Fort Wayne? Read on to learn more about home health care and why it might be the best treatment option for you and your loved ones.
What is Home Health Care?
As a rapidly growing field, home healthcare provides a wide range of services to individuals requiring medical assistance who would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their private residences. This type of skilled nursing care is notably beneficial for elderly individuals and others with chronic conditions or disabilities that have difficulty leaving their homes on a regular basis.
Typically provided by Medicare-certified agencies, home healthcare services can vary widely and include everything from basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to complex medical treatments.
Different Types of Home Healthcare Services in Fort Wayne
While under the care and supervision of licensed home healthcare professionals, these are some of the services you could expect to receive in the privacy and comfort of your home:
Skilled Nursing Care
This home health care service is typically provided by licensed nurses with specialized training and experience in providing medical care in the patient’s home. Skilled nursing care may include wound care, medication management, and rehabilitation services.
Personal Care Assistance
As one of the most common types of home healthcare services, personal care helps individuals with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. While in the home, Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) or Home Health Aides (HHAs) can also assist with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders.
Therapy Services
Home healthcare services can also include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech
therapy. These services are designed to help patients recovering from an injury, surgery, or
illness impeding their ability to get around or perform activities of daily living.
Hospice Care
As yet another type of home healthcare service, hospice care offers comfort and support to individuals nearing the end of their lives. Customized to meet the family’s needs, hospice care may include pain management, emotional support, and assistance with end-of-life planning.
Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies
Depending on patient needs, home healthcare services can also include durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies for home use, such as oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, hospital beds, wound care dressings, and specialized medical devices.
How Home Health Care Benefits Seniors in Fort Wayne
Traditional patient care models typically involve patients receiving medical treatment in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or rehabilitation centers. While these models have been effective in delivering high-quality care, they also have limitations.
For instance, hospital stays can be expensive, and patients may be exposed to a higher risk of infection while there. Additionally, hospital stays can disrupt patients’ lives by requiring them to take time off from work, school, and other activities.
As a viable alternative, home health care provides these benefits to patients and their families:
There’s No Place Like Home
One of the primary benefits of home health care is that it allows patients to receive care in a comfortable and familiar environment surrounded by friends and family. Elderly patients, post-surgical patients, or patients with chronic conditions tend to do better when feeling safe, comfortable and relaxed in their homes.
Individualized Care
As a more patient-centered form of care, home health care is flexible and can be personalized to the patient’s unique needs. For example, patients may be able to schedule visits at times that are more convenient for them and their family members. This feature is notably important for families with busy schedules or those who live far away from medical facilities.
Lower Risk of Infection
Another advantage of home healthcare services is that they can help reduce the risk of a hospital-acquired infection and other complications. While in a hospital or nursing home, patients may be exposed to various germs and other pathogens, increasing their likelihood of infection. Conversely, home healthcare providers can take steps to minimize the risk of
infection, for instance, washing their hands frequently or using sterile medical equipment.
It Could Save Money
Because most seniors live on fixed incomes, saving money on out-of-pocket medical expenses is always a plus. In many cases, home health care is more cost-effective than traditional care models because it eliminates the need for hospital rooms and medical equipment.
Getting comparable services at a lower cost can be notably important for seniors who are uninsured or underinsured, as it allows them to receive the care they need without breaking their retirement nest eggs.
What it All Means for You and Your Loved Ones
The transition from traditional patient care models to home health care has been driven by several factors, including advances in medical technology, an aging population, and a growing preference for in-home care.
Home health care offers patients and families many advantages, such as personalized care, lower risk of infection, increased flexibility, and lower costs. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, more patients will probably rely on home health care as their preferred model of care.
How to Find the Best Home Healthcare Provider in Fort Wayne
Finding a reputable home healthcare provider can be a formidable task, especially when you haven’t needed to before. With so many providers to choose from, knowing where to start is sometimes half the battle.
Here’s how to find the best home healthcare company for you or your loved one:
Research providers in your area by searching online or asking your doctor, friends, and relatives for recommendations.
Determine if they offer the services you need (skilled nursing, physical therapy, etc.).
Investigate their experience and credentials. Are they Medicare-approved?
Ask how they communicate with clients.
Learn if they offer flexible scheduling and backup caregivers in case of emergency.
Consider the cost of services and if they are covered by your insurance.
Dignified Home Healthcare Services for Patients in Fort Wayne
When you need quality home health care, look no further than Senior1Care in Fort Wayne. We are a fully licensed and insured provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing you or your loved one deserve. While serving as an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate professionals can perform various duties, Personal Care, Companionship, Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Recovery Care, Light House Keeping
While assisting clients in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Elkhart, our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.senior1care.com online now to learn more about us or schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.
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