Home Health Care Services For Seniors

Rent a Daughter are available for seniors who need help at home. The services can include medical and nonmedical assistance. In some cases, Medicare and private insurance may cover these services. Many community organizations also provide home care services. Some of these are volunteer programs; others charge a fee.

The first step is getting a physician's order to begin home health care. Then a team of professionals visits the patient's home to assess his or her needs and develop a plan for treatment. The plan usually includes nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy. It can also include home safety, diet and medication management. The home health care team regularly updates the patient's doctor about progress.

Home-bound patients need to live in their homes for medical reasons, but may leave the house on occasion for brief, nonmedical absences such as shopping or attending family and social events. Often, these absences are supervised by family members. However, it is difficult for professional clinicians to monitor the quality of care given by informal caregivers, especially because the home environment limits the ability to observe and evaluate a patient's condition.

Several interventions designed to prevent unplanned hospital admissions have been recommended by home health care experts, but few have been tested empirically. The unique characteristics of home healthcare may affect the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions.

A patient's home health care provider can help prevent falls, assist with self-grooming and bathing, change dressings, prepare meals and run errands, manage medication and supplies, and provide a safety net for the patient in case of emergency. The goal is to keep the patient in his or her own home as long as possible, while maintaining a high level of function and avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.

Finding a good home health agency is easier than you might think. Ask friends and family about their experiences, says Yount, and check with your local area agency on aging or department of public health to find home health agencies that are licensed in your area. You may want to look for an agency that has employees who speak your loved one's language or are trained in a specific type of care, such as Alzheimer's or physical therapy.

You should also consider the agency's employee policies and procedures. Do they have a clear system for reporting problems and addressing concerns? Do they conduct background checks on new hires? Are they required to participate in ongoing education and training to enhance their skills and knowledge of best practices? You can also ask an agency how much they pay their employees. This will vary widely, but a quality employer pays a fair wage and provides excellent benefits. In addition, many home health agencies will have information about local support groups and other resources for families. You can also check with nearby senior centers or your state or local government to see if they have any helpful connections.

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