Choosing the right level of healthcare is a difficult decision. Part of the decision will be based on the condition your patient has and what the long-term prognosis is. Another part, sadly, is based completely on the fiscal policy of the establishment, a patient’s insurance, and current commitments. Monitoring all the different factors to stay on top of spending is time-consuming, but this aggregate spend reporting for HCPs & HCOs should help.
Of course, this decision must be taken with the patent and they need to fully understand the options available. Choosing between home health care and non-medical in-home care is a big decision, it’s important to know all the facts.
Benefits Of Home Health Care
There are actually two types of long-term home health care available, formal, and informal.
As the name suggests, it is effective to care for a patient at home. Formal healthcare is provided by qualified professionals and will cost significantly more than informal. The professionals will undertake any medically necessary task, monitor the health of a patient, and even help to evaluate the potential for surgery. For example, a patient with dementia that needs a hip replacement will be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can then liaise with the doctor to arrange the surgery and ensure the patient remains calm and aware of what is happening.
The benefit of professional healthcare is always available and the professionals will develop a bond and understanding of the patient and their needs.
In contrast, informal home healthcare means that looking after the patient is done by family members and other volunteers. Although they can attend a course in basic first aid, they’re not going to be able to perform the same tasks as a qualified professional.
But, they are a cheaper option and are more likely to notice unusual behavior.
In-Home Non-Medical Care
Again the patient will be at home for the duration of this care. The difference is that the care given to a patient is offered by non-medically trained professionals that have qualifications and skills in looking after patients.
They may work under the supervision of a medically qualified nurse. This is generally a cheaper approach and this type of care ensures the patient has helped with everything they do, assuming they need it. This includes getting out of bed or using the toilet.
But, although they are skilled caregivers, they are not medically qualified and cannot do medical procedures.
That’s why the majority of cases need a mixture of both types of care. Non-medical care can be more personal and cheaper, but it needs the backing of the medical personnel to ensure all of the patient’s needs are met as and when necessary.
Non-medical in-home care is likely to include assistance with meal prep, financial management, and even getting the patient to appointments. That makes it a much more complete experience for the patient and allow their loved ones to enjoy the time they have together instead of spending it doing mundane care tasks.
Understanding the difference will help patients and medical personnel make the best decision regarding what care should be provided.
By Jesse Hughes