Home Health Care and More After a Car Accident

Being in a serious car accident can make life difficult for a while. If you spent a great deal of time in the hospital afterwards, then you have a lot of rehab ahead of you. A home health care occupational therapist may be exactly what is needed. He or she will be able to help you get back on your feet and help you relearn all of the daily tasks, which can be difficult after an injury.

After a major accident, your recovery is something that might not go as quickly as you would like. Your main goal at first may have been to get out of the hospital. Perhaps you did not know how difficult it would be when you got back. Fortunately, there is home health care. If you or a loved one is overwhelmed with the adjustments, you should feel free to call and set up a consultation.

If severe brain injury is one of your struggles, then you may also need a little more help than most. An occupational therapist will help with a number of areas beyond just daily activities. They also help with speech therapy sometimes. You may need some more advanced physical therapy, and you may also need some medical assistance. Even if these are the case, you can still use home health care, because they likely have professionals in each of these areas.

If you are already getting home health care and you have found that it is not meeting your needs, then you should simply call the agency and speak with the individual who is handling your case. Explain what you think you need, and they should be able to accommodate you in this.

It is important that your insurance covers your help. It could get very costly if you did not arrange for an agency that is covered. If you need help finding one, call your insurance company. Ask them what home health care agencies they work with. From there, you should be able to find one that will work for you.

If you are struggling to take care of yourself and you need help doing it all, do not put off hiring a home health care agency or adding more treatment to your present setup. That is what they are there for. If you need help through an agency like this, look into it today. It will make such a difference for you.

Home Health Care Costs - Charges You Should Know

People facing the need of home health care for their disabled or elderly family, are often also faced with difficult financial struggles. While a lot cheaper than a hospital stay, home health can get expensive. Here are some of the things to think about when considering health care from home.

The number one cause for home health care needs is the elderly. More and more elderly are wishing to live independently as long as possible. With this comes the need for home health. These visits can range from monthly to daily. Sometimes it becomes necessary for around the clock care. In these cases, the costs for health care from home can really start to rise. It's imperative to understand these changes and charges up front so you're not surprised when things start happening. Most of the associations which provide such services charge per hour rates. This is a great way to keep track of how much you're spending on the care.

Obviously the more experienced and established agencies are going to charge more for their care providers. This is when you do your homework. You have to understand how much you actually have available to spend on the care. Then look for a company that can provide what you need at a cost you can afford. Many require contracts up front so you should be familiar with the limitations and needs of the patient. Your loved one's doctor is a great place to start when figuring who to use and for how long.

Home health care supplies can get costly as well. Many patients need constant upkeep of tubing and medications. Wheelchairs and adjustable beds are often necessary. Opting for health care from home sometimes means turning your spare bedroom into a mini hospital room. There are medical supply companies that deliver these items directly to your home. The nurses can also recommend good local companies for these needs. They're used to dealing with them and know who you can trust.

Getting help paying for the costs of home health care may not be as difficult as you think. With the elderly, there is usually Medicare or Medicaid. Some elderly have retirement funds and other forms of income. Social Security and Disability pay are available for elderly and disabled. Sometimes in the event of injury there is an insurance settlement that will cover home health expenses. For terminal patients of any age, Hospice is a great non profit organization that covers all expenses. If none of these are an option for you, check into local branches of the National Association for Home Health. They will be able to lead you in the right direction and get you started with help.

Should You Opt For Home Health Care?

Most people prefer home health care to hospital care because of the advantages of the previous to the latter. Many clinics and hospitals are understaffed; resulting in poor medical attention towards patients. This leads to possible worsening of the patient's health. Fortunately, home health care can be done to prevent this from happening.

Home health care helps a person get well in the comforts and security of his own place. Family members can act as care givers or a professional health practitioner such as a nurse or a caregiver may be hired. Personalized treatments such as wound dressings, blood tests, and insulin injections for diabetics may be readily available through home health care. Home health care also costs less compared to hospital care. A person does not need to pay an expensive hospital room. He will not have to deal with hospital food either. In the convenience of his own place, a person has the advantage of being with his loved ones
everyday while on medication.

Family members are confident and secured of their loved one's safety at home. Friends and relatives may also visit anytime they want without having to worry about visiting hours. A person receiving home health care is also certain to be well fed and well taken care of. He can relax and receive treatment at the same time. For example, a diabetic person can watch his favorite television show while being injected with insulin. He might not be allowed to do this in a hospital where he would certainly become bored and unproductive. And in addition, a person suffering from a long illness is able to rest at home; with his family physician acting as the primary doctor.

However, in spite of the numerous advantages a home health care offers, certain disadvantages of this arrangement must be taken into consideration. For instance, home health care may lack in medical equipments and facilities needed by the patient. Emergency situations may also be difficult to handle at home. And if there are many people or children in the household, the person receiving treatment might have a very little sense of privacy.

There could also come a time when family members taking care of their sick loved one become fatigued and burned out. Some family members, especially children, might also be afraid to have a dying person in the house. In these kinds of cases, hospital care is necessary. Specialized medical care and facilities are immediately available in hospitals.

Still, even if such disadvantages exist, home health care is proven to be effective in helping patients recover faster. People prefer to be medically treated in their own homes because the happiness and satisfaction they feel at home can not be compared to what they feel in a hospital.

Using a Home Health Care Agency

Most elderly people eventually are faced with the fact that they can no longer live alone and this can be a very stressful time for them. They feel they are losing their independence and are no longer useful to themselves or others. You can make this easier on your parents if you talk about it before that time comes and make plans together as to how it will be handled.

Your parents have probably lived in their home for a long time so the best solution is probably home care. You can try to find a home health care provider on your own, but it would not be wise to do this without checking both their references and their background. You would also need to learn about the state laws regarding taxes, insurance and bonding. You are probably better off using the help of a professional agency. A good agency supplying home care aides will have a good business record and ensure their caregivers have been checked out thoroughly.

The home care companion can help with walking, meal preparation and light housekeeping, while a certified home health aide can help with bathing and dressing in addition to other tasks. A home care agency manages their home health care aides and the home health care aides take care of your family member, so you can take care of your own responsibilities. This allows you to maintain a good relationship with your parents and enjoy each others company to the fullest.

A licensed home care agency supplies caregivers to people who need either non-medical services or licensed home health care. Agency employees are certified, screened and have a thorough background check done for your protection. The agency takes care of all wages, insurance, taxes and bonding. Some even have vans that shuttle their caregivers right to the client's home, assuring prompt and reliable service.

Of course, experience is one of the most important things to look at when contracting a home health care provider. Be sure to ask for references and for any client success stories they may have.  The most trusted home health care providers in your area will have numerous references and testimonials for you to review. The agency you select should also be a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

One of the greatest benefits that can come from working with these professionals is the relationship which develops between the client, their family and the caregiver and supervisor. The family soon learns to trust the caregiver to take care of the client and the client accepts and soon enjoys the arrangement, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy life again.

Home Health Care Workers and the Bed Bug Scourge: How to Protect Yourself

Health Care Dynamics

As the national debate over affordable health care continues, the real battle is in the trenches. Medical technology and the healing arts notwithstanding, patients are spending less time in the hospital and more time in managed home care. Home health care professionals and social workers are increasingly involved in care-giving, administration of medicines and general follow up. Many of the patients are poor or elderly and reside in urban settings of apartments, independent living or care centers. Demographics and pest management reporting shows that bed bugs are most prevalent in these living situations. As home health care workers, you really have no idea what conditions or levels of infestation await you as you provide service.

Bed Bugs have RETURNED!

The reasons for the resurgence and return of this common pest, and the global "pandemic" are many. We have become a global economy, as well as global travelers. The avenues for them to find a food source to thrive and multiply are increasing daily. They feed on humans, and we are now moving into more urban and dense population centers. More people: more bed bugs. A single pregnant female (if left unchecked) can literally produce thousands in a matter of weeks! They are hitchhikers and have an uncanny ability to hide and survive. Their bites produce varied reactions in patients, but in general will cause an itchy red welt, which the patient scratches, thus opening bleeding wounds. The open wounds are the source of blood borne pathogens; the pest itself does NOT transmit disease.

Working in the real World

Bed bugs have no socio-economic preference for a host. Every human being is a potential food source. If you are working in and around a their hiding place, or in an area that has a high potential for infestation, then you are at risk. As you assess a patient, be mindful of the following strong indicators of their presence: open wounds on the patient; black smudges or dots on the mattress, or wall ( fecal matter); a significant amount of bug spray or insect repellant near the bed; large quantities of bay leaves or other aromatic leaves in or around the bed. A typical hide-out is quantities of clutter, or "stuff" which is quite common in urban dwellings. These conditions are strong "clues" that you are in a high risk situation. In addition to those personal protective measures you employ to reduce the risk of infection to you, there are simple precautions that you can employ both before and after a visit.

YIKES! I think I have bed bugs; what can I do?

You have several choices: You can spend hours online reading the thousands and thousands of pages of information; you can burn all of your belongings, or you can follow some very simple and straight-forward guidance. FIRST: Do NOT Panic; SECOND: Create a barrier between your workplace and your home. Most home health care professionals wear their scrubs from their own home to the patient's location. Remove your clothing before you enter your home. THIRD: place your clothing and bedding in the clothes dryer for 30 minutes at high heat. FOURTH: capture any bug that you find, put it in a baggie and have it positively identified by a qualified professional. FIFTH: Make sure you document the situation, and your concerns about bed bug infestation in the patient's home, and get professional colleagues involved. SIXTH: If you do decide to engage a pest management professional, inquire about their expertise with bed bugs and Integrated Pest Management.

Home Health Care - An Essential Need For Patients

Home based health care services have become an essential need for patients nowadays. Whether someone is seriously ill and looking for care, or they need such kind of exclusive special care for their parents or other elderly member of his/her family, home based health care services are the right answer to their needs. Nowadays, when different kinds of temporary or permanent diseases have become common among people, the need for home care services is increasingly being felt.

Home Health Care - What Does It Mean?

Nowadays, one can hire medical experts or certified caretakers to take care of people suffering from temporary or permanent illness. The illness can be of any type. It may be a temporary disability caused by a severe accident or casual illness, or it may be permanent physical disability for which a dedicated person is needed to take care of the affected person. The concept of hiring professional for home aide is certainly beneficial.

Home Health Care Agency - Serving Home Health Care Needs

The popularity of home care services are increasing due to the excessive demand of licensed and certified professionals in this field. To cater the increasing needs of people, several agencies have started offering trained and certified professionals for home based care. Usually, a home health care agency provides services for all the essential requirements of people.

What Kind Of Services Home Health Care Agencies Provide?

A well-established home health care agency can provide services for different needs. People can hire certified professionals with experience of taking care of several prevalent diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson as well as care for disabled. Apart from that, these agencies also provide elderly care, extended care, hospice services, as well as short term or long term care services. In summary, no matter what kind of requirements people will have, they just need to speak to a reputed home health care agency and their needs will be fulfilled.

Inception of home care agencies is really a boon for people living alone (away from their children or other family members). It also helped working professionals as they can hire a caretaker for their parents or grandparents. They just do not worry to think about them after hiring home health care professionals. However, while hiring services (part time or full time), one needs to check the credentials of agency offering these services. One should always prefer certified and licensed agencies, because they can provide experienced staff for complete care.

Income Online for Home Health Care Providers

Making an income online for home health care providers can be done and not only can it be done...but it can be done simply. Here is an overview of how the private home care provider can supplement their income online part time.

For home health care providers making an income online can be simple to do and done in the down time of your average work day. As a once in home private care provider I know that there can be some long lulling moments of down time and moments where you simply want to pull your hair out and run screaming down the street. Supplementing an income online can not only be rewarding, but can actually take a little of the day to day pressure off from this particular choice of vocation.

Creating a successful stream of supplemental income online can be accomplished however through solid education and simply applying that knowledge through Internet marketing. For some the hesitance is the thought of investing money into some scheme online that might just take their hard earned money and leave them high and dry...it is not always so online and as a matter of fact this hardly ever happens. For the most part many fail because they simply do not know how to effectively brand and build an online business through proven strategies of Internet marketing. Those who failed did so because they did not truly understand what was expected of themselves before joining a particular program then yell FOUL PLAY although it was not truly a problem with the particular program or opportunity, only with their knowledge and effort.

A successful income and online business for those of us who have found it has come through a solid training program with hands on mentoring and coaching to help us through the learning curve. Working from home for those in the private health care industry have the advantage of down time on an average day and this down time can be used to generate and create a substantial income online that is not only substantial, but can also become extremely residual.

For those in the Home Health Care profession looking for an income online remember, it is best to complete your due diligence before investing in any online program or opportunity. You have the advantage of time and the suggestion of taking your time and completing your due diligence into an opportunity or program from which to make money online with should be a must. Ask questions and make sure all answers are in and ask to take a look at the program itself and what personal results the sponsor or mentor has had themselves in that particular industry and or, online business.

The Reform in Home Health Care

In order to understand the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health agencies (HHA), CMS has put together some easily accessible and useful information, which can be found directly on their website.

Outlier claims are inconsistent throughout the country, with some areas having suspiciously much higher percentages than others. The new 10% cap outlier policy was created to regulate the billing activities that may be in conjunction with the integrity issues that take place within the activities of certain home health agencies.

Though CMS has taken into consideration the needs of those patients who fall into the outlier category, such as those who are diabetic and are insulin dependent, those with CHF, and those who need wound care, there are still concerns as to the determination of the outlier policy's 10% cap being based on the number of outlier payments in the urban areas compared to the suburban areas. For instance, Los Angeles County in California, one of the concerned cities targeted by CMS, consists of approximately 10 million people. Of this population, approximately 10.5% consists of individuals who are at least 65 years old and over. With such a high population, other factors must also be considered, such as the diversity in all groups, the number of patients who live alone, and various other factors. When compared to other agencies in less populated areas that have outlier dollars below 10 percent of their total payments and are assumed not to be affected by the new outlier policy, the comparison appears to be unfairly considered. More services provided as a result of highly populated areas usually mean that more outlier claims will be billed.

It is no question that fraudulent activity in all areas must be regulated. However, it is also a known fact that organizations, corporations, companies, and individuals are driven through incentives. When a home health agency has to wait 60 days to be paid for services provided, it suffers, along with those who are directly providing the services. Home health has been proven to improve and minimize Medicare costs through the decreased number of hospital visits as a result of services provided by home health professionals. With insufficient amounts of available funds to compensate home health service providers, how are agencies expected to survive?

You Get the Help You Need With Home Health Care

Aging is an unavoidable part of existence. Though many would love to stay young forever, the reality is that we will all grow old at some point and it will be difficult to take care of ourselves and perform day to day tasks. We won't be able to move as quickly as we once did and we'll get tried a lot easier. Our memory may not be as sharp as it once was. Physical abilities will always deteriorate sooner or later. When a person gets to that point, it's absolutely important that they have somebody who can stand by their side and help them with any errands or needs. Those who work in home health care are more than qualified to take on the task.

For many elderly people, getting assistance isn't a big issue because they have children or family members who are willing to provide assistance on a daily basis. Sometimes children will live with their parents to provide aide and important transportation. This is a great option if possible, but there are those who are not able to get help from their offspring. For some elderly people, their kids may live too far away to help. As a result, they'll need a professional who works in home health care to come visit daily and assist them with essential tasks.

These aides are able to work around your schedule to visit and help you get through your day. Often, daily tasks like dressing and showering can be difficult for those with advanced age. Instead of letting yourself take too much time to get ready, you can rely on an aide to come and make sure you're ready for your errands. They are willing to make your life easier as long as you're willing to reach out for their help.

While a home health care aide can help you get cleaned and dressed, they can also help the elderly with their housekeeping duties. For many older people, cleaning can be a bit difficult. As a result, items can become cluttered and safety hazards can result. Tripping on some items can result on a person getting hurt. Remember, the bones of an older person are a bit more fragile, so a fall that is harmless to an average person can be fatal to somebody who is elderly. Instead of allowing your environment to get out of control, considering hiring outside help to make sure the house is safe to walk around.

Another aspect in which a person in home health care can assist is with meal preparation. Cooking can be a difficult and time consuming task for somebody with advanced age. By having a skilled aide who can provide their client with healthy cooking, the elderly person can save time by not doing the cooking themselves. Eating right is important, even for those who are older, so having somebody who can help watch what you eat is nothing but a good thing.

If you think you can benefit by having somebody come to your home and provide aide, don't hesitate. Get in touch with somebody who is an expert with assisting the elderly.

Paying For Home Health Care - What Do Medicare and Medigap Cover?

Prescribed only by a physician, home health care is skilled nursing care that aids in the recovery from illness, injury, or surgery in the patient's home. And fortunately for many seniors who are now opting for care at home, Medicare insurance covers most costs related to home health care.

The government, however, has set some limitations on payouts - you are only eligible if you need intermittent care (usually defined as seven days a week or less than eight hours a day over 21 days or less) (1), physical/occupational therapy or speech language pathology; you are homebound; and the home health care agency providing care is approved by your Medicare insurance program.

In addition to medication administration, general supervision, and therapy services, the Medicare home health benefit covers a number of other necessities, including medical aids and supplies to aid in recuperation. On the occasion, though, you may be required to cover some of the costs associated with home health care. But what can you expect to pay out-of-pocket that's not covered by Medicare dollars?

Medicare Insurance: Part A and Part B

Hospital Insurance (Medicare Part A) helps cover the costs of your inpatient care at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or religious non-medical health care establishments. Part A can also help cover hospice and home health care services. Individuals aged 65 and older are usually automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and do not have to pay a monthly premium if Medicare taxes were paid while working. If you did not pay taxes, you are still eligible, but you will be required to pay a monthly premium.

Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B) helps cover services such as those offered by your physician and outpatient care. Many seniors maintain their enrollment in Part A, but elect not to use Part B, which requires a monthly premium that is dependent upon income, the requirements of which change yearly. Unfortunately, if you didn't sign up for Part B when you were first eligible for insurance, your premium may be slightly higher (2).

For questions on your Medicare insurance benefits, you should contact 1-800-MEDICARE or read the handbook mailed to you each year entitled "Medicare and You."

What's Covered and What's Not

Medicare insurance pays for physical and occupational therapy and speech language pathology services, counseling, some medical supplies, durable medical equipment (which must meet coverage criteria), as well as general assistance with daily activities which include dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. For most other medical equipment, Medicare insurance will cover 80% of its cost (3).

However, Medicare will not cover twenty-four hour care at home, meals delivered to your home, and services unrelated to your care such as housekeeping. Of course, as mentioned above, you will be required to pay 20% for medical equipment not fully covered by Medicare insurance such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks (4).

In some cases, your home health care agency may present you with a Home Health Advance Beneficiary Notice (HHABN), which, simply put, means if your agency is ceasing your care services, you will be presented with a written statement outlining the supplies and services the agency believes your Medicare insurance benefits will not cover as well as a detailed explanation of why. Should this situation arise, you do have recourse - the HHABN lists directions on acquiring the final decision on payment issues or filing an appeal if Medicare refuses to cover costs for home health care. In the meantime, you should continue receiving home health care services, but keep in mind that you will be paying for these services out-of-pocket until Medicare accepts your claims and remits past expenses.

Medigap and Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Medigap, a supplemental insurance policy, is sold privately and covers the services and supplies not paid for by Medicare insurance. When used in conjunction, Medigap and Medicare can often cover a large majority of the costs of your home health care. Insurance companies offer a variety of different Medigap policies (A through L), but since each one comes with specific benefits, you'll need to compare the highlights closely. Medigap policies vary by cost, and many insurance companies require you to have both Medicare Parts A and B in order to purchase a supplemental plan (5).

For seniors with both Part A and Part B Medicare, your home health care situation is usually covered, save for the 20% out-of-pocket expenses for medical equipment. Just remember to keep track of your Medicare insurance benefits (and Medigap if applicable) by verifying with your physician, home health care agency, and insurance representative. Paying for home health care does not have to cost you an arm and a leg, but do be prepared for the occasional (but necessary) out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare and Home Health Care, page 6
2. Medicare website: "Your Medicare Benefits."
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Medicare website: "Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) Policies."

Check it Out - Home Health Care

This phrase is employed for the method of treatment and care that is performed at the individual's residence. It is substituted by the phrase home care frequently. This kind of attention and care is given to the affected person in the sanctuary of his/her home by a professional heath care organization/ individual.

The formal or either informal administration of this service takes place. The informal administration is carried out by the affecter's family members, his relatives or acquaintances whereas the formal care can be categorized as the care that is performed by a professional, who though has a license to perform this care service but is not a medical practitioner.

The objective behind this particular method of treatment is to maximize the individuals comfort and to provide them professional care in their homes for the time fame required. Medical and psychological services such as tending of the wounds, educating about dealing with the pain, physical and verbal treatments are some of the other services performed. It may also involve providing support to the patient in the performance of simple daily chores such as taking bath, getting dressed, going to the washroom and moving about depending upon his condition and ailment.

At times extra life services are also required. These may include provision of aid in uncomplicated daily chores such as assistance with the cooking and serving of food, washing dishes and clothes, monitoring timely medication, buying household products, driving and last but not the least most significantly in giving company.

It is projected that in developed countries such as the United States, casual care is sought more in comparison to the skilled care such as the medical practitioners and nurses. And in case the later is required then it is paid for from either the persons own pocket or his health insurance deals with it.

Home Health Care - Medication Safety - Important Helpful Information You Need to Know

Home health care is an important part of aging in place or living in your own home environment all of your life.

Medication safety and compliance is the number one concern with an aging loved one and home health care. We all have trouble remembering to take our pills. For the aging, they take multiple medications simultaneously. Aging individuals are prone to forgetfulness, so non-compliance is major concern.

The caregiver can help

If you are a caregiver, there are some steps you can take to improve your loved one's medication safety. Home health care and medication safety requires education of your aging loved one. It is important to stress taking medications at the proper time to treat their medical condition and avoid complications.

- It is important to make your loved one aware that taking over the counter medications, such as sleeping aids or allergy medicine may be dangerous. It is important to stress that these medications may cause an adverse reaction with their present medication regime.

- It is also important to advise your aging loved one to call the doctor or the pharmacist if they missed a dose or two of a medication. Do not assume that you should return to your original schedule.

- Always talk to your doctor before making any change in your medication routine. It is important that your loved one understand that just because they feel better or they are not experiencing the results they want as quickly as anticipated, they should not increase or decrease a medication.

More Home Health Care and Medication Safety ...

The next step is to put a medication system in place. There are multiple medication reminder systems out there to investigate. Depending on your aging loved one's function and medication regime there are simple written charts to more advanced technologies.

Simple methods are to use a pill box and place it where your loved one can see it. Some need cues or reminders, such as post it notes or pills strategically placed in the bathroom next to a toothbrush. This will be a gentle reminder to your aging loved one to take your pills.

- If there is more than one caregiver dispensing medications for your loved one, it is important to provide a chart that has the name of the medication, time of day that it is to be taken and any special instructions. Provide a sign off or check list for everyone that provides the medications.

- Some of the advanced technologies are so user friendly, from watches that will beep to remind you to take you pills to more advanced systems that will alert you to take your pills, dispense the correct pills, at the right time to your loved one. Some of these systems even notify the caregiver if a dose is missed.

- These advanced medication reminder systems offer peace of mind and comfort for the caregiver even from a long distance.

Home health care and medication safety is an ongoing concern for our aging loved one. Review of the medication system and its effectiveness is an ongoing process. Be aware of any signs of unusual symptoms so that your loved one can be assessed before the problem advances. Make home health care and medication safety a priority for the aging adult you are caring for.

Raising a Healthy Family Can Help Avoid Home Health Care Needs

In this day and age we are all bombarded with medical information, drug information, food frenzy information, physical information and on and on and on. It is really hard to know what is the best for you and what is the best for your family. You are likely trying to raise a healthy family in this world and are looking for a way to do that. What you should do is start by doing your own research instead of just watching commercial advertisements. If you really do your research then you will have the opportunity to find what is best for the family and best for your family's style of living. Home health care in Illinois may also be of interest to your if you live in the Chicago area. There are many options for home heath care and you will want to be fully informed of those options and which best suit the needs of your family.

You can really pay attention to the needs of your family when looking into good nutrition. You should want to know what is the best to put into your own and your families bodies in order to live happy and healthy lives together. You can even integrate this into care health home Illinois and attend to the needs for home care as well as care for the needs of your family outside of the home. Home health care is a growing industry and is fast becoming an important part of family medicine plans and long term health plans as well. You can avoid needed in home care if you keep up on your daily health needs and try to live as healthy as possible.

Not to be concerned about the occasional treat of ice cream or cookies because everyone needs a little pick me up once and again, but what you should be concerned about is your family's daily caloric intake and also your daily activity rate. You can really eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables and encourage the health of your family. Should you be in the south suburbs of Chicago you can find healthcare options at Bourbonnais healthcare. A good mix of both healthy and happiness makes for a good and progressive family life.

How to Evaluate the Best Type of Home Health Care Agency to Meet Your Needs

The words "home health care" and "home health care agency" mean different things to different people.

With hospitals discharging patients to their homes sooner and sicker, families are not prepared and are overwhelmed. Many families do not want their loved one to go to a nursing home or skilled unit. Many families are never even given the option for home health care. Others think that when their family member is discharged form the hospital to home that there will be someone there 24 hours 7 days a week, for as long as the care is needed.

The home health care agency explained

There are two types of home health care agencies. The first addresses the health and medical care of the aging adult. Care is provided by home health care agencies, and can include the home health care aide, RN's (registered nurse) and physical therapy. State and federal laws regulate these agencies. They are often Medicare and Medicaid certified. Many private insurances and HMO's pay for these services as well. This means the agencies can get paid by these programs for providing home health services These services require a doctor's order.

The services provided will be intermittent such as an RN coming in to do a dressing change or monitor vital signs. A home health care aide may come in a few times a week to assist with bathing and dressing. You must be housebound and only able to leave the house to go to the doctors or attend church to be eligible for these services.

The other type of home health care agency offers help with household duties and non-medical personal care. This could include preparing meals, bathing, dressing or moving around the house. Depending on the state, these agencies may or may not be licensed. This type of home health care allows a person with special needs to stay in their home. It is for individual's who are getting older, are chronically ill, recovering from surgery or disabled. The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home.

Studies show that our aging society not only wants to live independently as long as possible, but that they want to do it in their own home. Many have their own lives, live close to family and friends and have pets to keep them company and social activities to keep them busy. Mentally and emotionally, being at home is comfortable and often promotes wellness and healing.

Some feel that quality care at home can be expensive and is only for the wealthy

There are actually many ways for aging adults to receive qualify home health care. There are new programs such as reverse mortgages, VA benefits and long term care insurance. Many states now have state and local programs for the low income seniors that qualify for Medicaid to have waiver programs. These programs provide care at home in order to avoid an admission to a nursing home. There is a growing number of home health care agencies out there that provide for everything from companionship, to avoid loneliness to errand running and cooking and 24 hour live in services.

For medical and health care needs, there are home health care agencies that provide care when there is a change in the medical condition of the aging adult. The care required, must be deemed medically necessary by a physician.

For those individuals that want to age at home, having a good plan for the future in place is important. This may allow the aging adult to enjoy the comforts of home for as long as possible. You may no longer need to stay in a nursing home to receive good care.

If you are unsure if aging in place is an option for you or a loved one you may consider consulting with a care manager or eldercare consultant. A care manager can usually put together a plan that fits within a family budget. Care at home can be far less expensive than a move to a nursing home.

Thoughts About Home Health Care

One irritating aspect of getting on in age is getting over the thought that you are not able to handle everything you were once able to. There are ways to get over that of course, but none better than the option of home health care, which has literally become one of the most popular companion care sources of today.

In short, home health care deals with the disadvantages that come with old age, and it does so just as a nursing home would, only with the comforts of your own home you know and love.

Only, some people seem to have grown the impression that all home health care is really good for are eliminating the basics out of your life, such as doing the grocery shopping, cooking meals, and some tough cleaning. In some instances, maybe it applies to basic motor skills such as tying shoes or taking a shower.

Naturally, you have probably heard of these advantages before, such as in a nursing facility. So why does home health care have an edge?

Well first off, what many people do not realize but learn faster than anything else is that it costs a significant sum of money to keep a loved one or yourself in a quality nursing home or assisted facility. Sure, at first insurance may be able to cover the costs, but that is only if you have sustained some sort of injury.

Home health care, on the other hand is a way you can keep your house all to yourself, all to your liking without any one trying to make any adjustments. It also means you can always have control over who is coming in and who is going out, whereas with many facilities you are locked into their service contracts that do not let you own your premises or necessarily control who is looking after you.

By getting to stay put in the comforts of your home with all your possessions, you allow for a much more conducive life. This life will allow you to be able to recover more easily from any sustained injuries, or just adapt to your new living circumstances.

The other advantage of home health care is without a doubt the care one gets on a personal level. With individualized care there are such perks as physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Now, all those therapies may seem a bit overwhelming, but they are not all every day. Such services, if you would like to receive them, would be offered around the schedule of your choosing in your home and could range in how intensive they become.

Lastly, one must be ultimately concerned with where they are at the present. Who's to say you even need home health care all at once. However, if you are having difficulty in areas that used to seem easy, maybe it is time to introduce yourself to some of the services. While home health care may not be for everyone, you could never possibly know until you really start to give them a try.

The Growth of In Home Health Care

It's no secret that healthcare is expensive. But many new innovations are making the cost of healthcare more feasible for the average American. Home healthcare is one such development. Although this has been around for quite some time, in home healthcare has recently exploded in popularity. Consider how many of these providers there were in 1990 (5,730), and compare this number to the latest evaluation that took place in 2007 (9,024). As you can see, the number of in home healthcare providers has almost doubled in the given period.

As the economy has contracted over the last few years, the healthcare sector has actually increased steadily in size. This has occurred even in the face of thousands of jobs vanishing all over the United States. During 2010 alone, the hospitals across our nation added about 50,000 jobs bringing the total number of people in the industry up to well over 4.7 million workers. In home healthcare too has increased its workforce. What started out as a fledgling, low-demand industry has quickly blossomed into a large source of employment itself. In 2010, this industry grew by about 40,000 jobs to just over 1 million.

The main reasoning behind this growth is economics. Home healthcare is much cheaper than a hospital visit. This is true concerning both patients and healthcare providers. Services looking to reduce their overhead cost have found that they can save money by traveling to people's homes and providing care there. Likewise, this process is cheaper for the person receiving care as they do not have to pay the built in cost of maintaining the facility they are visiting.

The in home healthcare trend is not going to disappear. This has proven to be a great resource for those needing daily care that does not necessarily require a hospital visit. By reducing the cost for all parties involved, it is clear that this is not only a convenience to patients, it is a necessity for many providers to continue business during times of a rough economy. As the American workforce ages, it has been said that an estimated one out of every two individuals will require some sort of long term care. In home healthcare provides the greatest opportunity for those of us requiring a lesser degree of care to get the most convenient and affordable help.

While the demand grows, so will the industry. Healthcare is an industry that will forever be in demand; as people age, the need for healthcare will only grow. Once the numbers for 2011 are released you can be sure that the in home healthcare industry will once again have increased in size. A poor economy and the ever increasing ease of obtaining such help have guaranteed this.

Chinese Medicine Home Health Care Tips For Fall

The lung system also governs the nasal passages and skin which can be prone to dryness. A good way to maintain healthy skin is dry brushing. Using a natural fiber brush start at the extremities (feet and hands) and brush up the limbs towards the centre of the body. This helps stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. If the lung energy is circulating well it can protect the body from illness, similar to the immune system in Western medicine. To keep the lung system strong exercise outdoors, incorporate breathing exercises or breath awareness into your daily routine. Exercises or stretches that help to open up the chest and ribcage are also beneficial, such as side stretching.

Although not TCM remedies I do recommend taking vitamin D daily as it has many health benefits and in the fall and winter we just don't get enough from the sun. Using the neti pot is great to keep nasal passages clear, remove any particles which may induce congestion as well as prevent dryness. It can be a little awkward to use at the beginning finding the right technique, salt concentration and water temperature.

Acupuncture of course can help regulate the lung system or treat symptoms that arise. Two common points are Large Intestine 4 and Large Intestine 20. LI4 is between the thumb and forefinger. It is a versatile point and can be used for any conditions related to the head such as nasal congestion or headaches. LI20 is beside the nostril, massaging that point can help relieve congestion. Herbal formulas can also help strengthen the Lung system. Yu Ping Feng San often called Jade Windscreen is a frequently used prescription. It is a simple and highly effective formula of only 3 herbs including Huang Qi, commonly known as Astragalus. Although some people will take astragalus on its own it is more effective taken in combination with Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) and Fang Feng (Siler). Together these herbs which help with congestion, open the nasal passages and strengthen the protective nature of the lungs to prevent illness.

Eating pears and apples are a good way to moisten the lungs while adding scallion, ginger or basil to cooking can help circulate lung energy. Other beneficial foods are tofu, radish, asparagus, celery, rice and almonds. Using essential oils such as cedar, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary are good for colds while bergamot, geranium and jasmine are good for regulating emotions at this time of year.

Nettle and chamomile both have natural antihistamines and can be taken as teas in the case of allergies. Local, raw honey contains local pollen therefore eating the honey exposes your body to small doses subsequently reducing the reaction of your body to the pollen. However if you do get a cold or allergies with congestion it is best to avoid dairy products, fried foods and refined sugar as these foods can cause dampness in the body. Dampness in this case is essentially phlegm/congestion/mucus. Many home remedies can be incorporated together such as adding pears to you diet and eucalyptus to your bath or a diffuser.

Please comment below on what remedy works best for you or share any other alternatives you may have. If you have any questions about the material presented here email info@meridianflow.ca

Home Health Care Equipment

Home health care equipment makes it possible for people to be directly involved in maintaining their own health care. Medical devices, tools and technologies designed specifically for home use are becoming more and more popular because of their convenience and their user-friendly nature. Innovations in home health care equipment include "smart" devices that significantly lower the amount of machine maintenance necessary. Many are also wirelessly connected to the Internet, which aids in providing efficient, monitored service.

Convenience and reduced health care costs are some the more important elements that make home health care equipment popular among patients. People with certain conditions which need strict monitoring no longer need to confine themselves to hospitals because there are devices which can now monitor patients in the comfort of their own homes. These devices are geared towards teaching people to monitor themselves and their conditions through the use of tools that can give warnings and signs concerning their health. This could mean more efficient and effective health care, contributed to by patients who have more control over his/her condition.

Home health care equipment sales have been steadily increasing based on customer demand for these innovations and advances. More and more, medical home devices are being designed and produced to cater to various medical needs. A lot of these new devices are very innovative and advanced. Soon to come are toothbrushes that can check one's blood sugar and bacteria levels while brushing, that even comes with a holder that transmits information directly to the person's medical file. People can soon expect heart monitors that can be connected to computers, making it convenient for people to monitor their own heart rates and other vital information which can easily be transmitted to their doctors via the Internet.

Another popular advancement in home health care is the use of video devices for telemedicine. Video equipment used in telemedicine offer high-resolution images and audio that are much better than what computer phones and telephone lines can offer. There are even telemedicine devices which include a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope and a thermometer, aside from the monitor which directly transmits vital information to the owner's health care provider.

Home Health Care: A Different Type of Choice

If you are in a situation where you may have to put a loved one in a hospital or nursing home, think twice before doing that and consider of home health care is an option that you might want to consider. It's essentially the best way to combine treatment and familiarity of environment when dealing with a patient.

The central concept behind home health care is that many of the services that hospitals and nursing homes provide has the potential to be performed in the patient's house with the right equipment and right professional staff. If the cure is all about having someone become independent, they may as well become independent in their own home.

Specifically, these types of services include things like would care, education for patients and caregivers, injections, nutrition and speech therapy, and more mundane tasks like shopping, housecleaning, and doing things like laundry and cooking. Staff may also help with things like getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom, and getting dressed and undressed, depending on the specific case.

Do a thorough internet search, and you'll find that there are agencies all over the place that do this type of work, but you have to make sure that your particular insurance providers covers the company that you want, because you don't want to have any financial issues after you've already made a commitment - that doesn't turn out well for anyone in the end.

After you've figured out that home health care is the direction that you should go, what exactly can you expect? Primarily, staff should be checking the basics like heart rate, blood pressure, your temperature, you basic levels of pain, your mental and emotional states, if you understand that your home is a safe place, and you know when you are supposed to take which of your medications.

Additionally, there is something called a plan of care that you should always be aware of. This is a black and white listing of everything required for the home health care process, from which professional do what, to what kind of equipment they need when, and what types of results you should expect over the course of the treatments.

You should always pay attention to the holistics of the situation as well. Is the staff always courteous and positive, and are they always trying to support you and make their treatments better and more efficient? Never settle for less than the best for you and your loved ones.

Now that you understand a little bit more of how the home health care process works, you can make the best informed decision that you can if it is right for you, or if something else is a better idea.

Home Health Care Employment - 5 Things You Should Know

Home health care workers are people in charge of caring for the sick, disabled and elderly in their communities. The work is usually performed within the homes or residential facilities of the people receiving care. The positions are widely available in every city, town, and suburb around the country. In fact, wherever there are people, home health care workers are and will continue to be in demand.

There are a number of reasons that people choose to seek employment in the home health care industry. Some people are attracted by the chance to help others in a very direct, even intimate way. Other health workers like the idea that you can get a well-paying job even without having a high school diploma. And, some like the flexible work hours that the position entails.

It is a good thing that many people are interested in working in this industry. The demand for health care workers continues to grow, given that the population continues to age. There will always be elderly people who need care. And, there will always be people who are mentally or physically unable to care for themselves.

If you are considering working in this field, here are 5 things you should know:

1. Know the difference between home health aides and home care aides

There are various types of positions within this industry. However, in general terms, the two primary types of jobs you can get are that of home health aide and home (or personal) care aide.

Home health aides usually work for certified health agencies that receive government funding and therefore must comply with certain rules in order to continue to receive that funding. These workers are under the management of a nurse or other medical professional, and they provide some limited health services.

Meanwhile, home care aides work for various private and public agencies. They are supervised by a social worker or other non-medical managers. While they do receive supervision from time to time, most of the work they perform on a day to day basis is done on their own.

2. Understand the benefits

People who appreciate flexible, non-standard work hours will often choose this type of position: in fact, you may care for the same person for months or years. But, it is more likely that you will travel around town each day, caring for 2, 3 or more people on any given day. The other, most obvious, benefit is the ability to really make a difference in someone's life in a way that you cannot do with many other types of jobs.

3. Know that this type of work is not for everyone

Working in this industry can be very physically and mentally demanding. For example, you can find yourself heading home each day with a sore back due to having to lift the person you care for into bed. Also, the people for whom you care may not always be friendly or in a good mood.

4. You must receive training

You must receive training and pass a test to prove that you are competent to work in this field. Most training is "on the job training" and is conducted by registered nurses or other medical practitioners. Training does not exceed 75 hours in most cases.

5. You do not need a high school diploma to get a job

Never got your high school diploma? No worries! Working as a home health aide or home care aide does not require that you have one. Just complete the training and pass the competency test and you will be on your way!

If you need a job and have considered working in this industry, make sure you understand the requirements, benefits and difficult parts of this line of work. Armed with the right knowledge, you can make the right decision about whether this is the career for you.

How to Select a Home Health Care Nurse For Mom

When caring for a senior gets to be too much for themselves or you as a caregiver, it is time to consider the help of a home health care nurse. This can be a daunting task and costly. So it is important to know what you are looking for. Here is help in how to select a Home Health Care Nurse.

Often it is preferable to use a home health care nurse for seniors, especially when problems are too much for them or yourself to handle. If you're trying to organize this for a parent, you're no doubt feeling some anxiety and hesitation about where to go for help. This is perfectly natural and there are ways you can alleviate your concerns before your hire.

Home health care provides a number of services including nursing care (full or part-time in the home) or other specialized health professionals. They come into the home and give treatment and check-ups to the patient, with some services such as transport also available. They can assist with things like grocery shopping, doctors' appointments and other assistance, depending on the agency.

One of the first things you may need to consider is how to pay for these services, and the additional costs that may be involved. The first thing you should find out is whether the agency is Medicare certified. This means that they have to pass quality control and tests to assure their work is legitimate and their staff are qualified. Then you need to decide what services you require for your senior.

If there is the need for personal care such as bathing assistance or supplementary services like shopping and cleaning then you'll want to find an agency that can provide it. You'll also want to make sure they have staff available at the times of day that your parent or senior needs the help.

It can be quite uncomfortable at the start for the senior as well, to have a stranger involved in such intimate moments of daily life. So it is important that they can meet with the agency and any nurses that will be provided, to ensure compatibility.

You can usually request a same-sex carer if your parent is concerned about this. Some older men would prefer not to have women caring for them and vice versa for the women - can you imagine a young man coming in to shower or dress you every day? Make sure you deal with an agency that will respect the rights and privacy concerns of your senior.

You'll be able to find care that ranges from permanent in home care provided all day, every day, to a half hour visit a couple of times a week - whatever is needed.

While you do not have to use an agency and can consider privately hiring a nurse to provide care, often an agency will have a number of qualification systems in place that will ensure their competency and reliability. They will require their people to undergo background checks, criminal checks and other qualification checks. You can request the information yourself but it can be harder to obtain, and often references may not be legitimate.

The agencies also will have immediate back up personnel should the primary nurse get sick. That can be a problem for you if you hire someone on your own.

Home Health Care Providers Help the Elderly Maintain a High Quality of Life

Home health care in Illinois is considered among the best in America. Being sick is not a normal part of getting old. Aging doesn't always entail forgetfulness, confusion, incontinence, or dizziness. On the contrary, these are symptoms which may be relieved or corrected. Although disease does not always accompany aging, nonetheless even normal aging can bring problems. It brings changes in some of the body's functions, and a slowdown in the body's systems.

Growing old affects different individuals in different ways. For example, a person might have a strong heart, but old kidneys. Or, they might have strong bones but old skin. These differences may require changing lifestyles, medical intervention, or perhaps merely slowing down. Some people must give up e.g. a favorite sport and switch to a less strenuous activity; others must take new medications. The elderly are no different than anyone else in needing to have control over their own lives and to be as self-reliant as possible, in spite of their medical condition. They need to maintain a high quality of life in their own homes or when they are returning home after being in the hospital.

It is the goal of Chicagoland assisted living providers to be supportive in helping older people live a life as normal as possible; help the care recipients to make their own choices and to determine the course of their own lives; and to help older people to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible. Home health care providers also have to assist the older people in being safe, since the leading cause of death in the elderly is accidents. They may have difficulty walking, have poor balance or slower reflexes, as well as poor vision. The elderly may fear for their own safety even in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. Losses of visual or hearing ability not only affect the older person's safety, but also reduced touch sensitivity can make it more difficult to distinguish between objects, or to sense temperature differences. Diminished smell and taste can cause an older person's eating habits to decline because the person no longer can smell or taste food. The home health care provider must be sensitive to changes in the recipient's sensory abilities as well as be understanding and respectful in order to provide care health home Illinois of the greatest quality, so that the elderly can feel secure and worthwhile as persons, and enjoy their lives fully.

Home Health Care Product Makes Your Life Easy

Health care industry is not restricted to the hospitals and medical supplies but has widened its horizon incorporating home services as well. Home health care product and services feature are an important component of this industry. Health care basically signifies a wide range of health care services along with social services that can be provided at home for invalids and chronically ill people who need a lot of nursing and therapeutic treatments.

There are many companies that have introduced products for home use like diabetic supplies that include blood sugar checking apparatus, wound care equipments, home safety products like safety railings, handles, portable oxygen concentrators. Other than that hospital beds, pressure pads, IV poles, canes, walkers and crutches are also commonly available.

Other health care products are baby safety products like monitors and alarms, cribs and other related products that give you the peace of mind that everything is safe at home. People who are old, invalid and need assistance are the right candidates for buying home care products. Walkers, crutches, specially modified commodes, canes and arm slings are common products that are bought by the majority of individuals depending on the home care need. Other than that there are services of sending out nurses, therapists and health care specialists who provide a strong backup force for looking after the patients who are recuperating at home.

The home health care product has been tried, tested and meet FDA standards with the services of trained and efficient staff that can be called on need basis. Portable oxygen and other respiratory equipment can be rented from good health care equipment suppliers depending upon the requirement or as prescribed by the hospital. The home care services that can be availed on demand include trained nurses who can administer infusion and pharmacy services at home, give medication

When you are not at home and generally look after the patient. There are many products available that can be installed at home like safety lights, railings, handles, bathroom/kitchen safety products. Some of the home health care services include looking after the elderly and disabled people who are living alone and need help on a daily basis. These facilities include light housekeeping, shopping, supervision of the elderly and companionship. Medical needs and emergencies are also supervised by them.

The Expansion of Home Health Care

In the 1950s, the United States saw a population increase like it had never seen before. Soldiers returning from the atrocities and disillusionment of World War Two were eager to start families and build successful lives. Now, as the children of these inspired veterans reach their later years, we as a country are faced with more elderly citizens to care for than ever before. This will put a significant strain on social services but it also opens up a lucrative opportunity for people and companies in the home health care field.

It has been said that by 2025 the United States will have an estimated 72 million people over the age of 65. That's more people than live in the entirety of France! As these elderly people fall ill or simply experience the symptoms of age, hospitals and health care providers will have to expand to meet this increased need.

The worries for this situation include everything that comes along with dramatic shifts in demographics. The United States has never had to care for this many elderly people before in the history of the country. The transition to caring for this new population will of course mean significant cultural and structural changes. As most state and local governments are already in debt, this increased need for medical care is a quandary.

In contrast to these worries, there are also lots of good things that can come from this transition. Most importantly, the jobs that will be created as the health care field expands will revitalize the American economy.

A trend to watch in modern health care is choosing in home care rather than sending the patient to a hospital or assisted living facility. Home health care has a plethora of emotional and physical health benefits and is usually the top choice among family members of the elderly.

Because in home care requires more staff, this trend will create even more jobs in the health care field. Having a respectable field of employment with a demand for workers equal to American unemployment rates is essential to revitalizing the economy.

Enough jobs, it is well and widely known, means a healthy, sustainable and resilient economy. With more people unemployed than ever before, medical work is becoming one of the chief fields of study in colleges. As baby boomers age, the medical field is promised an ever-rising demand for all sorts of care.

Did you know that two-thirds of people over 65 need a caregiver to assist them in their daily activities? That means that two-thirds of the estimated 72 million senior citizens in the year 2025 will require a medical provider in their home. Many people are worried that so many people becoming elderly will bury the existing infrastructure However, if carried out correctly, the influx of job openings in home health care and other medical niches could raise the economy from the dead.

We'll Help You Find What You Are Looking For

A Suggested List of Questions to Ask A Health Care Agency When Looking for a Home Health Care Aide

When I first tried to find a Health Care Agency I had no idea where to start. The caseworker from the Department of Aging and Disability Services here in Dallas, TX was not allowed to make recommendations and there was no rating system that I could find. I was given a long list of agencies and to my shock (not really) they all had such wonderful and caring names. Many had the word Angel, or Care or Blessing in their name so I just called several and hired the one that sounded the best. I hope that this questionnaire helps you to choose more easily and wisely than I did.

· How long has your agency been in existence?

· How many aides do you currently have?

· What kind of training do your aides receive?

· How long is the training period?

· What criteria do you have for hiring an aide?

· Do you always make sure that your client and the aide speak the same language?

· Do you sit down with your clients and explain to them that you want them to call the agency if they are uncomfortable with or intimidated by the aide?

· Do you do a background check on the aides?

· Are all of your aides here in the United States legally, either as citizens or through a work or student visa?

· Do you personally contact your client if an aide needs to go back to his/her country of origin for an extended period of time?

· Will you advise the client personally if the assigned aide will need to do this before you assign him/her to the client so that he/she can make an informed decision of whether this aide is an appropriate choice?

· It can be quite traumatic for your client to have to train and get used to another aide. That being said, do you make every effort to ensure that this will not happen?

· Has your agency or any of your aides been cited or reported to the state for any wrongdoings, and if so, what was the complaint?

· Do you regularly give random drug tests to your aides?

· Do you make sure that your aides have a yearly physical exam to confirm that they are physically able to do the job?

The most important thing that I have learned along the way thanks to two years in psychotherapy was to realize that I am the boss and the aides worked for me and not to be intimidated or abused in any way shape or form. And that starts from the very beginning when you are looking for an aide. Just be aware of what you need and make that known. I also learned that people can go through up to seven different aides before you can find one that suits your needs and that you are comfortable with. I hope this list helps you.

Home Health Care: Staying Safe

If you've ever wondered what your options are instead of expensive hospitals or nursing facilities, then you should consider home health care. There are many agencies around the country that provide services of this type, and often they are less expensive, more convenient, and just as helpful as treatments that you would receive in more clinical environments.

If you aren't familiar with home health care, basically it is just a way to take care of injuries, illnesses, or ailments in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, rather than ship a person off to a hospital. This way, the patient gets his or her self-confidence and independence back in a less stressful environment.

There are several types of treatment that can be done in a home health care environment, including physical and occupational therapy, wound care, patient education, language therapy, injections, and monitoring serious illness, just to name a few. There are also things home care helps with like getting a patient into and out of bed, bathing, and other things like cooking and light housekeeping.

There are all sorts of different agencies that do this type of work. Just make sure that you know that different health insurance agencies will only pay for ones that they have certified, so be sure to talk over all of the details before making any sort of decision when it is time to make your choice. Match the need to the service, all the way down the line.

Home health care staff does many things, including tasks like taking your temperature and blood pressure, checking your heart rate and breathing, making sure you are taking any medications properly, and monitoring what you eat and drink. They will also check in with you about your pain level and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for you.

There is also something called a plan of care that they will be constantly aware of. This is basically a list of every single detail of what you need, from the type of professionals that need to be on hand, to what kinds of equipment that they require how often, and what results you should expect in the long run.

If you are currently in a home health care situation, you should make sure that you regularly check in with yourself and ask questions like - 'is the staff polite?' and 'are they explaining everything to me in a way that I can understand?' and 'are they consistently trying to make the process better?'

Home health care is a viable option in the modern age of medicine and treatments, so be sure to consider it for you or any other member of your family when the time for a decision comes around.

Learn About Home Health Care Services

The number of aging population is continuing to increase. At the same time, the cost of being hospitalized is also increasing. Thus, there are people to prefer to have home health care services.

Home health care is a relatively new program that aims to take care of sick patients while they are at home. Medical trained personnel are usually the ones who take care of the sick people who either choose to stay at home or cannot go to the hospital anymore. This can be due to a disease that caused them to be paralyzed or have insufficient power to move. The services that home health care offer usually include physical therapists, nurse, medical technicians etc. The patient usually has a personal nurse to take care of him. Most patients have nurses for around eight hours per day. But depending on the case, it can be allowed for the nurses to extend for more than eight hours a day. If the patient requests for the nurse to stay for more than 4 days a week then there must be an agreed date on when to end the project. The rules regarding the nurses and the kind of assistance that could be given to a patient depends on the rules and regulations set by their particular state since they cover the money that the home health patient can receive from the state budget.

The kind of care that is given in a home health care is usually therapies, wound care and pain control. There are cases when the therapist is the one doing all the work and no assist is needed from the nurse. The personnel that are assigned to do home health services are all trained and are licensed to practice medical procedures. They also have trained to have the right attitude to be patient enough for their patients. The normal activities that are included in the home health care services involve bathing, eating, getting dressed and helping the patients with his other activities as well.

The home health care program helps the older people to live in the comforts of their home with their loved ones and with the guidance of home health care personnel. The home health care program will be terminated or postponed if a fulltime nurse is already needed to look after the patient.

It is important that the family assures the safety of their elders. They must gather the required information for them to know that the agency will provide the best care for there loved ones. There are ways so that the family can trust the agency by making sure that the home health care program that they chose is approved by the Medicare provider. Once the agency is certified by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations then there will be no problem. It is also required that a staff from the agency should always be available seven days a week. If all these requirements are met then for sure, you family members will have an efficient and secured home health care agency.

Working for a Home Health Care is a challenge

Taking care for a friend or assisting someone who is sick or disabled gives us a rewarding feeling. At the same time, it also gives us a challenging experience that we have to conquer. In order to be able to successfully take care of someone it is important that you have background in any health profession such as nursing or physiotherapy. Otherwise, the emotional weight of being a caregiver might be too hard on you. Aside from the challenges in techniques and practices, there is also an emotional weight that comes with it.

There are a lot of personal challenges that a caregiver can encounter. First and foremost is the kind of job that they have to do. It involves tedious tasks of making sure that the patient is clean, changing the dextrose, changing the diapers and the like. But more than the physical weight of the job, another factor that counts is the emotional baggage that it involves. In this kind of job, you will be dealing with a person maybe a stranger who is dependent on you. If you are not prepared with this kind of feeling it will be hard for you to adjust.

When you are taking care of a relative or a friend the feeling is way hard to deal with. Since you are responsible for the different procedures that should be done on the patient, then you have to learn the basic nursing procedures such as changing the catheter bag, cleaning up the urine, feces or vomit and the like. These kinds of circumstances can make the patient feel embarrassed by how helpless they are. Thus, it is very important that you make them feel that you are willing to help them and take care of them. In this way, the patients can somehow feel better and still have a sense of dignity even in their state. It is normal for sick patients to be rude, moody and argumentative because of what has happened to them. It is like a defense mechanism for them to act strong in front of other people. Even if you are the one taking care of your patient, it is still important for you to have a life and make time for yourself.

Aside from the emotional challenge that you have, there are also a lot of requirements for a home health care. Unlike in hospitals where everything is offered, the equipment and facilities that can be used when at home is limited. Thus, if you plan to have a home health care then you should start having the equipment that you need depending on the patient such as a hospital bed, wheel chair, shower chair and the like. If there are medical equipments needed for the patient, you can ask your medical team about where you can find them with the affordable prices. It is also important to practice safety at home since you would not want your patients to have further accidents. Cleanliness must also be maintained at all times to prevent any further infections.

Having a home health care at home is a challenging task but there are always ways to keep you equipped and ready for the challenge.