A Better Overall Experience
First and foremost, home health is a better overall experience for patients, especially those who have been deemed ‘homebound’ (a requirement for the service to be covered by Medicare). Research shows that elderly patients recover quicker and have fewer complications at home compared to in a hospital. The therapist they have been assigned can assist with administering medication, which prevents harmful drug interactions and potential costly trips to the emergency room. In addition, home health allows the patient to be in familiar surroundings and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Personalized Care
When utilizing home health, patients receive special one-on-one attention through a treatment plan that is specifically catered to their needs. Not only does this help improve treatment, but it also allows the patient to build trust with their therapist and home healthcare team. Furthermore, home health services are grounded in evidence-based practices. This ensures patients are receiving the right care at the right time.
Lower Cost
Depending on the condition and treatment, home health can be a cheaper alternative than receiving care in a hospital or long-term care facility. However, this does not mean the quality of care is sacrificed. In fact, as I have previously mentioned, I would argue that the care you receive from an in-home therapist is of higher quality than the care a patient receives at a hospital. Also, in-home therapists can prevent costly trips to the hospital resulting from falls, mixing medications, etc.
Imagine a scenario where you are the patient in need of care. Do you want to receive your care in the hospital where friends and family have a hard time seeing you, you are not free to go about your business, and you need permission to simply get out of bed? Wouldn’t you rather receive your care in the comfort of your own home? I know I would.
There are many benefits of home health as it relates to in-home therapy, but I believe they all boil down to the personalized care home health provides, the lower cost of the service, and most importantly, the better overall experience for the patients.
If you are a therapist interested in learning more about the home health industry, reach out to us! Our free mobile app allows in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapists to handpick visits from various home health agencies at their convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!