Define Home Healthcare

Home health care is a group of services provided to patients who are recuperating from illnesses at home. Patients who have experienced a serious injury, suffered a stroke or have a debilitating illness often receive services from home health care professionals.

Housekeeping

• Patients who receive home health care services often have a home health care aide visit the home to perform housekeeping tasks. The home health care aide may cook meals, wash dishes and do light housework.

Personal Services

• Patients receiving home health care services may receive personal care from a home health care aide. The health care aid may help the patient bathe and wash his or her hair. The aide may empty bedpans as well.

Medical Services

• Home health care nursing aides or visiting nurses provide medical services within the home. Nursing aides may change bandages or administer basic medication. Home health care nurses may administer intravenous infusion (IV) therapy, dialysis for kidney patients or provide patients with other complex medical attention.

Benefits of Home Health Care

• Older patients can avoid being in a nursing home when they receive home health care services. As a result, they can keep some of their independence. All home health care patients receive personalized service that is geared toward their specific needs.

Disadvantages of Home Health Care

• Home health care aides and nurses do not have sufficient equipment to cope with serious medical emergencies within the home. Home health care can also be expensive if patients do not qualify for financial services such as Medicare.