The elderly may require assistance with household tasks, including running errands. In addition, many degenerative diseases can make daily activities difficult for the elderly. Injuries also can result in bed rest, which requires home care for months or even a lifetime. And, of course, there are benefits to the healthcare system. Read on to find out the benefits of in-home care in Charlotte, North Carolina. For example, a patient may benefit from reduced hospital readmissions and a reduction in costs.
Social interaction
One of the greatest benefits of in-home care is social interaction. Social interaction can come in many forms, including social gatherings, activities, or just interacting with others. When we’re younger, we have more opportunities to engage in social interactions, which fulfill various purposes. It also strengthens relationships. As we age, however, social interaction becomes a little trickier due to physical challenges. But the long-term benefits of social interaction are undeniable.
Researchers have linked social interaction with physical health. Elders who feel connected with other people spend more time outdoors and are healthier. In addition, social interactions are directly linked to a person’s perception of safety in their environment. In-home care has been found to improve health and well-being. Social interaction also increases the likelihood that an older person will participate in activities, such as sports or social activities. And while in-home care can reduce loneliness, it can enhance the quality of life for aging adults and their caregivers.
Reduced hospital readmissions
One of the many financial benefits of in-home health services is reduced hospital readmission. Studies show fewer patients need to return to the hospital for the same condition. For hospitals, preventing hospital readmissions can save millions of dollars in medical bills. Reduced risk of readmissions is also beneficial to patients as it prevents further health issues after discharge. Reducing the risk of readmission is essential to the quality of care and patient safety.
Home health software plays a crucial role in readmission reduction. This collaboration helps the care team educate and identify at-risk patients for follow-up care. In addition, using home health software to reduce hospital readmissions means that home health agencies can focus more attention on the quality of care for patients and become more attractive to referral sources.
Safety
Home care providers are not immune to common hospital risks. There are numerous responsibilities that caregivers must follow, and in-home care providers may lack the requisite expertise, training, and oversight to ensure patient safety. Safety-focused in-home care providers should have a high standard of care.
In-home care providers and nurses must establish a safety culture. While many health care professionals understand the term “safety culture,” the general public may not. Creating a culture that promotes safety is a collaborative effort by all involved. Once achieved, this culture benefits patients and providers alike. While the term safety culture has many definitions, it should be understood as an environment where people feel comfortable raising concerns.
Reduced costs
As a patient, you probably have no idea that hospital-at-home programs can save Medicare and private payers substantial sums of money. These programs eliminate the fixed costs of traditional brick-and-mortar hospitals and can deliver similar outcomes and fewer complications than traditional hospital care. In addition, these programs may help prevent bed shortages in U.S. hospitals. But are these savings justified? Let’s take a closer look.
The cost of in-home care varies widely. It can run anywhere from $4,800 to $4,000 a month, depending on the length of care needed. For example, a 40-hour week of in-home care may cost as much as $4,000 a month, depending on the assistance provided. However, if you don’t mind paying the full price, you might want to consider in-home care financing. Private insurance, reverse mortgages, and annuities are two common options. Public programs include Medicaid and Veterans benefits.