What is Home Care Service? Who Can Benefit?

After an injury or illness, it can be challenging for individuals to take care of themselves, whether it is a short-term or long-term situation. During their hospital stay, meals are prepared, medication schedules are regular, and other care needs are met by the relevant staff. However, patients may always prefer to go home rather than stay in the hospital. This can be a bit difficult for someone who needs care because it requires someone to be with them continuously. Although your family may try to help, not everyone’s situation may allow for that. This is where home care services come into play.

Home care services provide assistance at home for individuals who cannot care for themselves due to any injury or illness. Conditions like chronic illnesses, aging, post-surgery recovery, cancer, or being part of a group requiring special care can necessitate the need for home care. Home care can contribute to better management of side effects during the treatment process. It is often confused with home health care. While both are similar, there are some differences. Home health care is more focused on medical care, whereas home care services include assistance during an illness or injury process that also covers household chores.

There are multiple types of home care. One of them is home health care, which is provided by licensed health professionals. Through nurse visits, medications are managed, necessary injections are administered, and your overall condition is monitored.

For many, payment is required, but some types of care and community services are free. Sometimes government programs or your health insurance may help cover the costs of certain home care services. Additionally, it may also include various occupational therapy options. Another type is personal care services, which cover almost any service you need at home. This includes not only assistance with your health condition, dressing, and bathing but also tasks aimed at helping you in your daily life, such as the overall cleanliness of your home.

For those needing home care, our health team will help determine which type of care is best for you. When creating a care plan, attention should be paid to which staff members are suitable for you, how often services are needed, and whether any special equipment is required. Some options for home care services may be covered by your insurance. It is important to discuss payment issues upfront and ensure that the person receiving services knows what to expect throughout the process to avoid any issues later on. For detailed information about pricing and what your insurance covers, it would be most beneficial for you to contact your healthcare provider.

What Does Home Care Service Include?

Home care services can include:

• Assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet.
• Helping with transfer processes when going anywhere (such as from bed to wheelchair).
• Assisting with household chores like gardening, cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
• Managing finances, such as paying bills and filling out forms.
• Helping you take your medications regularly.
• Providing emotional support through accompanying you to appointments or spending time with you.
• Close supervision in cases of diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Medical support, such as care for feeding tubes, catheters, or monitoring vital signs.
  Overall, home care services aim to assist with anything you need at home that you cannot do independently.

What Are the Advantages of Home Care Services?

Some advantages of home care services include:

• The primary goal of home care is to enable individuals to continue living in their own homes with some support. This allows them to remain independent and empowered in their lives.
• Providing home care to someone in need, regardless of how much support they require, can lead to improvements in their overall health.
• It allows individuals to maintain their lifestyle.
• A qualified care service identifies and prevents risks that may arise for the patient, providing a safer environment.
• One of the main challenges for those needing home care is loneliness. Having someone present through home care services offers companionship and the emotional support the patient desires.

Who Can Benefit from Home Care Services?

There are no strict boundaries for those who can benefit from home care services. Generally, individuals who struggle to perform daily tasks or cannot do them at all may want to take advantage of home care services. Initially, individuals discharged from the hospital may seek care services for simple daily tasks like home cleaning and cooking, but over time, they may request assistance with personal care, errands, and overall companionship. This can eventually lead to a 24/7 live-in home care service. Anyone over 18 in need can benefit from home care services. The main groups that typically require home care services include:

• Elderly individuals who can no longer manage their affairs.
• Individuals with any disabilities.
• Individuals recovering at home after any surgery.
• Elderly individuals with diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Those requiring injections or nursing-related treatments.
• Individuals needing care and emotional support in the late stages of an incurable illness.

Home care services can be ongoing or may only be needed until recovery.

Home Doctor and Nursing Services

The assigned person may vary based on your needs when receiving home care services. For example, the person you choose to assist you with personal care may not be the same health professional who manages the nutrition of someone fed with a feeding tube. A registered nurse or licensed nurse may accompany you for home health care. The registered nurse will visit your home, assess your and your family's needs and desires, and work with your doctor to create a care plan. Your care plan may include managing pain or other symptoms, as well as providing emotional support. When preparing the care plan, both the patient’s and the family’s needs are taken into account.

Postpartum Baby Care

The first 42 days after birth are crucial for both the mother and the baby. During this vulnerable period, both the mother and baby can face serious health issues if proper care is not provided. After birth, nurses in the hospital provide information to the mother about breastfeeding, the importance of skin-to-skin contact, and general hygiene rules. Based on this information, you will continue the care of your baby at home. However, you may need assistance for some time afterward. In this case, home care services may be what you need for postpartum baby care. This care not only addresses the baby's needs but also assesses your mental state after birth, family circumstances, and the suitability of your home environment.

Post-Surgery Home Care

Post-surgery home care refers to the care provided during the recovery process at home after any surgical procedure. The type of care you receive will depend on the kind of surgery you have undergone. Post-surgery home care begins on the day you are discharged from the hospital and continues until you recover. It generally includes wound care, pain management, and addressing any areas you need assistance with at home. Before your surgery, your doctor will inform you about the recovery process you can expect. Based on this information, it is beneficial to organize home care services in advance.