Home Healthcare
Domiciliary care has grown tremendously over the last few decades as an
alternative to extended hospital stays or nursing home care. As medical
technology advances, more treatments can safely and effectively be provided in
patients’ homes. Domiciliary care aims to help patients recover or manage
chronic conditions in the comfort of their own environment, surrounded by
family and friends.
Services Offered by Home Healthcare
Agencies
Home
Healthcare in domiciliary care agencies provide a wide range of
medical and non-medical services to help patients. Some of the main services
include:
Skilled Nursing Care
Nurses are an integral part of any domiciliary care team. They can help
administer medications, change dressings, monitor vital signs, provide wound
care, diet instructions and more. For patients with complex needs, nurses are
available 24/7.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists design personalized exercise plans and use various
techniques like heat/ice therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises to
help patients regain mobility after illnesses, injuries or surgeries. For
patients who are bedridden, PTs help prevent serious complications.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists teach skills that help patients perform daily
activities like getting dressed, taking a shower and preparing meals. They also
identify adaptive equipment needs and recommend home modifications for safer
mobility and independence.
Speech Therapy
Patients recovering from strokes, head injuries or neurological conditions may
benefit from speech therapy at home. Speech therapists work on issues like
swallowing difficulties, speech impairments and cognitive challenges.
Medical Social Workers
Social workers assist with issues like health insurance navigations, arranging
transportation, applying for benefits and providing emotional support. They
identify needs beyond medical care to support overall well-being.
Home Health Aides
Under nursing supervision, home health aides help patients with daily self-care
activities like bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning and more. They provide
companionship and help implement treatment plans as prescribed.
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Domiciliary care agencies rent or supply durable medical equipment like
hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and more as needed. They also deliver
medical supplies for procedures, wound care, incontinence and more
Benefits of Receiving Domiciliary care
Home is Where the Heart Is
Being in the comfort of one’s home provides psychological benefits. Patients
recover better when surrounded by family, familiar routines, activities and
personal belongings. The home environment tends to be less clinical, stressful
and institutional.
Avoid Risks of Hospital-Acquired
Infections
Remaining at home avoids risks of hospital-acquired infections which are a
leading cause of death and extend healthcare costs. At home, the risk of
exposure to multi-drug resistant organisms is much lower.
Personalized, Coordinated Care
Domiciliary care provides personalized, coordinated care centering the
patient. A team knows the home, support system and individual needs to tailor
the plan. It avoids lost-in-transition issues between facilities.
Cost Savings for Patients and Payers
Domiciliary care is considerably cheaper than facility-based care, resulting in
lower costs for patients, insurers and the overall healthcare system. Savings
from avoided hospitalizations and nursing home stays are significant.
Allows Faster Recovery
Patients may recover strength and abilities faster at home versus institutional
settings. They are more likely to participate in personalized active treatment
plans and routines of daily living.
Who is a Candidate for Domiciliary care?
Nearly anyone can benefit from domiciliary care services in many circumstances,
including:
– Patients discharged early from the hospital who still need ongoing medical
care, skilled nursing or therapy.
– Seniors who can no longer fully care for themselves but do not require 24/7
nursing supervision accessible only at facilities.
– Those recovering from surgeries like joint replacements, cardiovascular or
other procedures.
– Individuals managing chronic diseases or conditions like diabetes, lung
diseases, heart failure and more.
– Children with long-term needs requiring tubes, respiratory assistance or
other ongoing treatments.
– Anyone who would benefit psychologically or physically from avoiding
placement in a facility.
Domiciliary care aims to transition patients safely home sooner or keep them
out of facilities as long as safely possible. It plays a critical role in
helping patients heal and maintain their highest function levels.
Financing Domiciliary care
Depending on the services required, domiciliary care costs are covered through
various insurance plans:
– Medicare covers part-time or intermittent skilled nursing and therapy
services following a qualified hospital or SNF stay.
– Medicaid covers eligible low-income individuals who meet financial and
medical necessity criteria.
– Private health insurances typically cover home health benefits as medically
necessary, subject to plan coverage terms.
– Long-term care insurances often cover in-home custodial care services not covered
by other plans.
– Veterans benefits and worker’s compensation may cover qualifying veterans or
job-related injuries.
– Out-of-pocket costs apply to non-covered services like home health aide care
for personal assistance.
Choosing a Reputable Domiciliary care
Agency
When choosing an agency, considerations include licensure, accreditation,
expertise/experience, covered services, provider network, costs/insurance
contracts, office locations/coverage area and client/family reviews. Ask family
doctors or hospital discharge planners for referral options in the local area.
Interview potential agencies to assess comfort level. Accredited agencies
generally have higher standards to deliver quality, compliant care.
Home: The Best Place to Heal
With medical advancements, fewer patients require indefinite facility-based
care. Domiciliary care has grown to fill this critical care gap providing
quality, comprehensive and compassionate care where it is needed most – in the
home.
In
numerous studies validate its advantages in outcomes, satisfaction and
healthcare spending. As our population ages, domiciliary care will continue to
become even more integral in helping individuals continue living independently
with optimal well-being. When given the choice, home is where most prefer to
recover surrounded by loved ones.
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About Author:
Alice
Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at
Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her
previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development,
Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing
strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she
meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy,
and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice’s dedication
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asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
