Summary
In-home healthcare agencies are agencies contracted for people to find a way to have care in a home setting for aging patients, disabled persons, and post-op or post partum care. In-home healthcare agencies have essential support services required to help maintain clients' lifestyles of comfort, dignity, and independence.
Healthcare agencies primarily work with the elderly (seniors), however they also tend to clients that are disabled (either temporarily or perminantely), or require in-home care for other reasons. Home heatlhcare providers offer clients' family members peace of mind that their loved ones are taken care of, especially if they do not live near their loved ones.
In-home providers offer plans to fit clients' budgets, time, and needs, as well as, have a home plan that offers greater privacy and comfort for clients to be in an environment they know and understand. Additionally, the cost is usually substantially less than assisted-living or nursing home care. Most agencies will offer a free initial assessment plan with a staff professional to see the services required by the client(s). Other agency staff may visit the clients' homes to develop a healthcare personalized for the clients and their families.
Non-Medical Services Offered
The services offered range from non-medical, such as social interaction, to nursing care on a daily or weekly basis. They can be temporary or long term. Examples of services include the following:
- Respite care for family members
- Light housekeeping
- Errands
- Transportation
- Assistance with activities
- Medication reminders
- Meal preperation
- Hospice Care
- Skilled nursing care
One other thing to note is that a home healthcare agency may be operated by the state under its laws. As is the case in Texas, the state laws dictate what service can be offered and by whom. This means that healthcare staff cannot perform a job that they are not certified/licensed to do. For example, a caregiver may be able to run errands or provide transportation services, but not administer injected medications.
Short Term Specialty Care
Short-term in-home healthcare is recommended for patients expected to have a quick recovery, usually within weeks of a surgery, illness, or other hospitalization. These services can help people recover from their condition quicker and help maintain their independance, as well as care for themselves without a costly hospital stay. Short term in-home healthercare services include:
- Elderly patients coming home from a hospital visit
- Patients who need assistance learning how to live with a recently disagnosed medical illness or condition
- Patients who wish to leave the hospital and recover in their own home
- Patients who need help managing their recovery with injections or dressing wounds
- Patients who want to be independent but need help keeping an eye on their current medical condition