Until we need it, home health care remains something most of us don’t know too much about. Unfortunately, the realization that we do need it often comes suddenly and, not only must we learn fast, we also quickly need to make the right decision about the best home health care for our needs.
Home health care allows patients to recuperate or receive treatment in the familiar surroundings of home. As good as our hospitals are, it is not possible for hospital personnel to give the direct one on one attention that a home health care professional can give. Patients often experience frustration, depression and anger in the unfamiliar surroundings of an institution. But, in the comfort of their own home, not only do they feel better, recovery times can be shorter.
Patients who can benefit from home health care include occupational injury sufferers or seniors facing health problems that require care, but not hospitalization. Indeed, anyone, young or old, needing health care, recuperative physiotherapy, chronic care, medical attention, palliative care or assistance with personal care, can benefit from home care.
If you are like most people, you are probably looking for home health care for someone else, a relative or friend. You probably know a lot about their situation, why they need home health care, their personal and medical history, etc.. Unfortunately, most of us have never needed to find home health care before and we don’t know nearly enough about the services that are available or exactly what we need.
If you take the time to learn a little about what to look for, you can begin to look for a home health care service confident that you will find the best one for you and your loved one.
1. Qualified Personnel
It might sound obvious, but you would be surprised at the lack of training of many so called “home health care professionals”. Make sure the person or people who will be providing the care are qualified in the particular care needed.
At very least, a registered nurse should be involved in the health care on some level, even as a care manager.
2. Established Home Health Care Agency
It’s tempting to find an individual online or in the newspaper, but, even if they are highly qualified, they will not be able to provide the same service that you will get from and established home health care agency.
Home health care is usually needed over an extended period. If a single home health care worker is unable to continue providing care for any reason, you are forced to find another care giver – fast.
An established agency will be able to provide around the clock home health care for as long as you need it. The best agencies will have home health care managers who will be familiar with the patients heath care history and special needs. This means that any new caregivers will be up-to-date on the patient’s particular needs.
You should also look for an agency that is managed by health care providers. They understand patients and their needs better than those who provide health care as a business opportunity.
3. Communication
Your home health care provider needs to be a good communicator. Very often, the home health care provider becomes a companion and confidante for the patient. The patient bonds with the caregiver because they feel the caregiver is the only one who understands what they are going through. The caregiver needs to be able to properly communicate and interpret outside information for the patient.
Your home health care provider also needs to communicate with friends and family of the patient to make sure they are aware of the patient’s condition, care and concerns.
4. The Extras
Families who are suddenly faced with a home health care situation are not always aware of everything involved. Things like government programs, doctor instructions or medical treatments can be a mystery and seem like daunting tasks.
Your home health care provider should be willing to help you wade through all the information, making sure you understand your situation and options – and especially making sure your loved one is receiving the best treatment.
The home health care specialists at Qualicare are registered nurses and Personal Support Workers who are specially trained and qualified to provide the home health care that you need.
Home health care allows patients to recuperate or receive treatment in the familiar surroundings of home. As good as our hospitals are, it is not possible for hospital personnel to give the direct one on one attention that a home health care professional can give. Patients often experience frustration, depression and anger in the unfamiliar surroundings of an institution. But, in the comfort of their own home, not only do they feel better, recovery times can be shorter.
Patients who can benefit from home health care include occupational injury sufferers or seniors facing health problems that require care, but not hospitalization. Indeed, anyone, young or old, needing health care, recuperative physiotherapy, chronic care, medical attention, palliative care or assistance with personal care, can benefit from home care.
If you are like most people, you are probably looking for home health care for someone else, a relative or friend. You probably know a lot about their situation, why they need home health care, their personal and medical history, etc.. Unfortunately, most of us have never needed to find home health care before and we don’t know nearly enough about the services that are available or exactly what we need.
If you take the time to learn a little about what to look for, you can begin to look for a home health care service confident that you will find the best one for you and your loved one.
1. Qualified Personnel
It might sound obvious, but you would be surprised at the lack of training of many so called “home health care professionals”. Make sure the person or people who will be providing the care are qualified in the particular care needed.
At very least, a registered nurse should be involved in the health care on some level, even as a care manager.
2. Established Home Health Care Agency
It’s tempting to find an individual online or in the newspaper, but, even if they are highly qualified, they will not be able to provide the same service that you will get from and established home health care agency.
Home health care is usually needed over an extended period. If a single home health care worker is unable to continue providing care for any reason, you are forced to find another care giver – fast.
An established agency will be able to provide around the clock home health care for as long as you need it. The best agencies will have home health care managers who will be familiar with the patients heath care history and special needs. This means that any new caregivers will be up-to-date on the patient’s particular needs.
You should also look for an agency that is managed by health care providers. They understand patients and their needs better than those who provide health care as a business opportunity.
3. Communication
Your home health care provider needs to be a good communicator. Very often, the home health care provider becomes a companion and confidante for the patient. The patient bonds with the caregiver because they feel the caregiver is the only one who understands what they are going through. The caregiver needs to be able to properly communicate and interpret outside information for the patient.
Your home health care provider also needs to communicate with friends and family of the patient to make sure they are aware of the patient’s condition, care and concerns.
4. The Extras
Families who are suddenly faced with a home health care situation are not always aware of everything involved. Things like government programs, doctor instructions or medical treatments can be a mystery and seem like daunting tasks.
Your home health care provider should be willing to help you wade through all the information, making sure you understand your situation and options – and especially making sure your loved one is receiving the best treatment.
The home health care specialists at Qualicare are registered nurses and Personal Support Workers who are specially trained and qualified to provide the home health care that you need.
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