An estimated 91% of America's population over the age of 65 has at least one chronic illness, and for many of those patients, in-home healthcare is one of the most viable solutions.
Today, to recognize November as National Home Care and Hospice Month, health care experts discussed services available for in-home care, which includes anything outside the hospital for disabled and chronically or terminally-ill patients.
One advantage of home healthcare is letting patients control their own schedule.
Brad Garpestad, Spectrum Clinical Services manager, "Here in the home setting, it's their environment, they control the atmosphere, and it brings self-esteem that promotes independence and helps them want to get better and manage their illness.
Garpestad also says home healthcare boosts patient morale.
Judy Herzog, an in-home healthcare patient, agreed, and noted, "We didn't try and have to get us out of the house with our walkers and our oxygen. We were able to do it right in home and both made very good recoveries."
More patients are electing for home care as technology becomes more portable.
Of the two home-care service agencies covering six counties in our area, an estimated 15,000 home care visits are made annually by nurses, therapist's aides ,and other healthcare workers.
WEB EXTRA: you can learn more at the website of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, such as this excerpt from the About page:
Each November, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) celebrates National Home Care Month, National Hospice Month, and Home Care Aide Week to honor health care administrators, nurses, clinicians, therapists, aides, homemakers, chore workers, and companions who make a remarkable difference in the lives of patients and their families.
"Helping frail, disabled and dying Americans to stay independent and happy in their homes is our goal," said Val J. Halamandaris, president of NAHC. "Home care professionals and volunteers, along with modern medicine and technology, make it possible for sick citizens to be cared for in their homes where they can be surrounded by loved ones and precious mementoes as they live their best quality of life."
