Many organizations and health institutions are moving towards capitalizing primary, acute and palliative care for the home. There are several benefits to home-based healthcare which we will explore in this article that could make you reconsider admitting yourself to hospitals and clinics.
1) More cost-effective
The costs incurred when one visits a hospital or clinic is no small matter! Not only is it monetarily expensive, its effectiveness can sometimes be a hit and miss.
According to an article published by the Harvard Business Review, a 5-year study conducted by Independence at Home, showed that all participating programs reduced emergency department visits, hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions for homebound patients. The results of the finding also showed that up to $2,700 per beneficiary was saved every year from home-based healthcare and this program increased patient and caregiver satisfaction.
2) Privacy is Not Compromised
There is often a lack of privacy when it comes to hospital treatments, patients are usually covered by a thin linen of curtain to separate them from view of other patients and visitors when undergoing treatments. Many patients who value privacy may find the notion of having to be treated in front of others an uncomfortable and aversive experience.
According to Rebecca Bell, a general manager at Medibank, home-based health care allows patients to receive treatment, support and assistance while maintaining their privacy. Not only that, more personalised one-on-one attention is given to patients, therefore building strong bonds between professionals and their clients.
3) Better Health Outcomes And Medical Management
For patients who are prescribed many pills and medication, it can often be quite confusing to manage them. The presence of a trained healthcare professional at home can ensure that they consume the right prescriptions are being consumed and at their recommended rate and time to control health conditions and prevent harmful drug conditions.
Moreover, patients who receive home-based health care have lower chances of hospital readmissions. Patients who receive home care are less susceptible to infections, deconditioning and physiological change associated with inactivity while in hospital care. Patients who are treated at home recover more quickly and have a lower rate of re-hospitalization.
Research has shown that patients are left clinically better off when home care is provided to them, particularly if they have a serious illness such as pneumonia, diabetes or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
4) Relief for Family Members Who Care for Patients
Home-based health care may also be beneficial for family members who are exhausted from the arduous daily routines of caring to their sick or elderly family member. Home health aides can often assist with bathing, dressing and other needs, therefore lifting the burden of family members. This type of service supports a peace of mind and protects against caregiver burnout.
5) Wide Range of Services
You name it! They have got it! Home health care includes a comprehensive clinical care. Patients can receive a wide range of treatments at home.
As you can see, home based healthcare offers incentives that abates the need to send patients to hospitals or nursing homes. Its cost-efficient, personalised and private features prove to be beneficial for long-term health care.
