January 2, 2015
Being at home takes on extra significance for most people when they’re sick, especially during the holidays and especially after a stay in the hospital recovering from an illness or injury. That universal desire to be at home in comfortable surroundings when a person is less than healthy gave rise to an industry based on the idea that sometimes the best medicine is being at home. It is called simply – “Home Health.” Approximately 7.6 million people currently receive care at home because of acute illnesses, long-term health conditions, permanent disability or terminal illness, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. By comparison, there are just over 1.8 million people in nursing homes. Home care is the long-term care option that promotes the individual's independence and ability to continue with their normal, daily routine as long as possible. The goal of home care is to provide in-home care for those who need it, regardless of age or disability, so they can remain living at home. It may also include personal care services to help with the activities of daily living, including home care services like bathing, dressing and grooming. The National Institute on Aging has predicted that in 2050 – just over 40 years from now – there will be an estimated 33 million people in the 65- to 74-year-old age group, 30 million in the 75- to 84-year-old age group, 18 million in the 85- to 99-year-old age group and 2.5 million in the 100 years and older age group. With senior citizens increasing at such a healthy rate, home health will likely continue to grow right along with them. Marshall Medical Centers has partnered with the LHC group to create HomeCare, a team of 45 employees who serve our current 307 patients. Licensed home care organizations provide a wide range of services to include catheter and tube care, cardiac and respiratory monitoring, diabetes management, wound care, in-home therapy and rehabilitation and pain management. With mobile technology and specially-trained staff available for in-home visits, patients are assisted and encouraged to regain strength and independence. In addition, your care is provided under the direct supervision of your physician. And another important part of home health is offering guidance and support to caregivers. The emergence of new medical treatments and technologies has made home health care a viable, cost effective option for high-quality, professional care for a wide range of medical conditions. Medical Centers HomeCare strives to provide the educational tools and resources to help families make an informed decision when the time to plan for the care of a loved one arrives. For more information, you may visit Medical Centers HomeCare on the web at www.mmcenters.com/services/homecare or call (256)-878-5811.