Healthcare in the home.

Home healthcare, which includes visits and stays from nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists and home health aides, is increasingly in demand. The aging population and shifting demographics are two main driving factors. The United States is experiencing a multi-decade shift away from several generations of a family living in the same unit and towards individuals living in small units independently. People move farther away from where they were raised, and the model of younger members caring for their older loved ones is not as commonplace. The health needs of older family members is being handled by a health professional in one’s day to day activities. Moreover, to cut costs, post acute-care in many cases now equals shorter hospital stays and the inclusion of home healthcare as the long-term care strategy.

Home health comes with hurdles such as high state regulation of who can perform health services, insurance coverage issues and reaching patients in rural locations. Yet the benefits are there. With the rise in medical technology usage, doctors can conference into people’s homes for periodic check-ups.  This means thorough training of patients and providers, and the important factor of whether or not patients are comfortable receiving this type of care. 

 

Another important factor of consideration is support of caregivers that are not independent. It has been reported that as many as 44 million unpaid caregivers provide care to people that are again or have disabilities in the United States. These caregivers need to be aware of their own health needs as what is can be incredibly stressful and harmful to one’s health.  

The speed bumps are in place but we are moving forward. Home health is growing and here to stay. How one capitalizes and recognizes the strengths and barriers to implementing and sustaining this type of healthcare are crucial. Useful resources include the National Association of Home Care & Hospice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicaid and Medicare Home Health section.

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