When you need health care for an extended period of time, settling on the best option can be tough. Extended hospital stays are typically not ideal due to high costs and the lack of home amenities. On the other hand, asking a family member or loved one to look after you can be stressful for both you and them. They may not be qualified to administer the necessary care or simply too busy or unwilling to take the time needed away from their jobs and lives.
Home health care is an increasingly popular option for patients who need medical care for long periods of time, because it offers a solid compromise between the two options. You are allowed the comforts of home during your recovery but still provided with the care and attention you need at no expense to your loved ones.
What Services Do Home Health Care Professionals Provide?
Most home health care providers work with your physician to provide the best possible care for your situation. Typically, you can expect your home health network to begin care promptly once contacted by your physician and advised as to when care should start. Your service providers typically remain in contact with your physician throughout your treatment as well in order to provide status updates on your health and recovery.
There are many services that home health providers may include which can be personalized to meet your needs. Professionals such as registered and licensed practical nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, registered dietitians, and home health aides can be provided for you based on your individual needs.
Home health providers do not typically provide help with day to day activities for the patient such as meal preparation, personal hygiene, or housekeeping. Service providers strongly recommend that the patient is provided with the tools needed to remain independent in the absence of their healthcare team so that transitioning to life following use of home health care allows them to retain their health and dignity.
Do I Need to Receive Home Health Care?
Your physician will typically recommend home health services if they are necessary for your specific situation, and you will be home-bound due to your circumstances. This recommendation is based on need for services that include speech, physical, or occupational therapy, whether or not these services can be provided on purely an intermittent basis, and if the patient has provided expressed consent for these services.
Lane Regional Medical Center has been a leader in home health services for the people of Zachary and surrounding areas since 1984. If you believe that home health care services are the best option for your personalized health needs or your doctor has recommended that you receive home health care, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
