What is Home Health Care?
Home healthcare brings recovery care to those who are homebound due to injury, illness, surgery, and other medical conditions. Generally speaking, home health encompasses a range of health care services that vary based on the patient's needs and provided by licensed health care professionals, including aides, nurses, and therapists. The following services are some that are usually offered as a part of a home health care routine:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Wound care
- Skilled nursing services
- Medication management
- Respiratory services
- Intravenous and nutrition therapy
Healthcare in your home can be much more convenient than appointments in a rehab or physician’s office, while still providing quality care for the patient. At Dignity Home Health and Hospice, our goal is to help our patients improve their health and regain their independence at their own pace.
What Are the Benefits of Home Health Services?
As you can imagine, there are many benefits of home healthcare services. The main benefit is that the patients spend time recuperating and recovering at home, where they want to be. Not only is this more comfortable for the patient, but it can also be convenient for family and caregivers, too. Other benefits of home health care services include:
Provides Comfort, Safety, and Convenience
For those who have had a medical illness or surgery, there may be safety concerns about receiving healthcare at home. However, research has shown that adults recover faster and have fewer complications at home than in a hospital. Patients who recover at home are less likely to experience a fall, receive help managing their medications, and are less likely to be readmitted to a hospital.
Faster Recuperation Time
Because patients have additional help within the comfort of their own home, they experience faster recuperation time. Being surrounded by a familiar environment with their own personal comforts makes a big difference in recovery.
Services are Provided by Skilled Professionals
When a loved one receives home health care services, they are treated by an entire staff of professionals. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and aides are all part of a home health team and are supervised by a physician.
Offers Personalized Care
Receiving home health care services ensures that you have a personalized care plan for your at-home recovery. Your physician and team will create a care plan tailored specifically to your needs. Not only does this make the treatment more effective, but it also builds trust among the patient and the health care team.
Offers a Wide Range of Services
Patients who receive home health care services receive all the comprehensive medical care services they need to recover efficiently at home. Skilled nursing, wound care, and physical therapy are just a few of the comprehensive services offered to at-home patients.
Provides Companionship
It's easier for friends and family to visit an elderly loved one at home as opposed to making visits at a rehabilitation center or other health care facility. There are no time restrictions, visitation hours, or rules to follow when visiting a loved one at home. Patients can benefit significantly from more social interaction, which helps combat loneliness. In addition, your loved one will have the companionship of the home health care team.
Experiences Greater Independence
It might be difficult for a loved one to admit that they're struggling because they may fear the loss of independence. However, one of the main benefits of home health care is helping older adults continue their usual tasks at home. With a bit of help, they can continue living independently at home.
Who qualifies for home health services in Utah?
Determining coverage is one of the most common questions when planning home health care in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. To begin the process of receiving home health care services, we schedule an appointment to come to your home to discuss your health and your care needs. In order to be covered by Medicare, a physician must order the patient as "homebound" and must organize a plan of care. Certifying the patient as "homebound" means that the patient requires care in an assisted living facility, residence, or at home. Home health care in Utah is available through Medicaid under parts A and B.
What Home Health Care Services Does Dignity Provide?
Our home care assistance team works together with you and your family to plan and provide the best home care in Utah. It is provided wherever home may be (including a private residence, nursing home, or assisted living center). Here are some of the home health services that we offer:
In-Home Care
Professional support that allows a patient to live safely in the comfort of their home.
Health Assessments
Thorough assessments conducted in the comfort of their home.
Fall Recovery & Balance Program
Exercises that focus on strength and balance to reduce the risk of falling.
Tube Feeding
Therapy that provides nutrients to those unable to get proper nutrition from eating.
Hospital After Care
Support through the healing process in the comfort of home.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Providing support in a controlled environment to allow the body to heal and regain strength.
Daily Living Skills
Assistance with mobility, personal hygiene, and eating.
Bowel and Catheter Care
Providing support for those needing toileting assistance.
Care Plan Coordination
Thorough communication and planning with all participants who are involved with the patient's health care.
Stroke Recovery
Providing a variety of therapies to help relearn skills after a stroke.
Certified Wound Care
Care that demonstrates a specialized knowledge of wound management.
Other Skilled Nursing Ordered
Any additional care that your loved one needs that we can provide.
Infusion Therapy
Medication administered through a catheter or needle.
Pain & Symptom Management
Monitoring pain and administering medication as needed.
Speech & Occupational Therapy
Providing assistance with speech and swallowing to aid in recovery.
How much does Home Health Care Cost?
Often, families face zero out-of-pocket costs for home health services because it is covered in full by Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage plans, or the Veterans Health Administration. If your parent or loved one is covered by a private health insurance policy, it may include some provisions for at-home health care. However, the type of coverage varies considerably. It’s always best to reach out to the insurance provider directly for specific coverage details.
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