Deciding between home health care and health care at a medical facility can be a tough decision. Some people may be concerned that they won't get the same quality care at home that they'd get in the hospital, but according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, home health care can provide many services with the same level of quality received in a health care setting. Receiving services at home can also make a positive impact in the mental and emotional well being of the patient.
Comforts of Home
Perhaps the biggest advantage of home health care is that patients get to remain in their own homes with their own familiar routines and personal items. Moving from home to a medical facility where you can bring very few of your personal possessions can be a shock and can trigger a deep sense of loss. According to the Visiting Nurse Association of Santa Cruise, being at home promotes healing.
Postpone or Prevent Nursing Home Care
Choosing to receive care at home can delay or eliminate the need for nursing home care. According to The National Association of Home Care and Hospice, more and more people each year are rejecting nursing facilities and instead choosing non-institutionalized lives. Much of the care provided in nursing facilities can safely and effectively be provided in the home. Skilled home health care nurses can handle all the care needs or teach family members to care for their loved ones. This can help keep family units intact.
Increased Freedom and Comfort
Being at home helps patients preserve a sense of dignity. Living in a nursing facility or health care setting means adapting to the schedules of the facility. Loosing the ability to choose when you wake up, when and what you eat, when you bathe and when it's time for recreation can be a difficult adjustment to make. Mental health and happiness are an important part of healing. Even small comforts like sleeping in a familiar bed can make a difference in quality of life.
Cost
According to the Visiting Nurse Association of Santa Cruise, home health care is less expensive than care in a medical facility. Home health care allows family members to provide some of the patient's care and to pay only for nursing services the patient absolutely needs, rather than paying for the benefit of round-the-clock cursing care. Patients can also continue to see their own doctors as needed rather then pay hospitalization fees.
