Are you curious about whether or not to try home health care in the metro Miami Dade/Broward area? Let us set your mind at ease…
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts huge growth in home health care, and the increasing popularity of home health care may be due, in part, to the increase in an aging population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). “By 2030 all baby boomers will be older than 65,” the Census states, and adds that Americans 65 and older may reach 80 million by the year 2040.
With this rise in an older population comes the need for quality home healthcare so patients can recover or continue to live in familiar surroundings. But what IS home healthcare?
Home health care covers a variety of healthcare services that can be provided in your home, especially for recovery from an injury or illness. Home health care often is less expensive and just as effective as the care you receive in a nursing facility or hospital. Often a home health care provider is arranged with the client’s family and the caregiving agency, and while each visit is different, there are some standard services you can expect during the actual home health care visit.
When a home health caregiver visits your home, you can expect the caregiver to provide the following services:
- Patient profile.
When a caregiver visits your home for the first time, he or she will spend some time getting to know the patient’s needs, preferences, routines, and meds list. A standard Patient Profile form can be helpful for families to bring caregivers up to speed quickly on a patient’s preferences, meds, and procedures. You can download a version of our Profile Form here and keep it handy for caregivers, doctor visits, or as an emergency document. - Vitals checks.
When a caregiver visits your home, one of the first things he or she will do is complete a check of the patient’s vitals. During a scheduled home healthcare visit, caregivers will measure and chart vitals including weight, blood pressure, respiration, temperature, heart rate, appetite and hydration, and medication checks to address any pain. - Security checks.
The home health caregiver will address common hazards that cause falls and emphasize the importance of preventing slipping/tripping hazards. Your home health care aide will do things like check furniture stability, make sure there is plenty of light in walking areas, and may request additional fall prevention aids be installed like grab bars and handrail. - Tools for self care.
One of the main reasons patients and their loved ones opt for home health care is because the home setting allows patients to heal and regain independence within familiar surroundings and with a sense of security. Each client will have a unique treatment plan and the client and caregiver work together to achieve continued independence. The home health caregiver will assist with tasks such as light housekeeping, errands, bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. - Review of the emergency plan.
It is important to be prepared because even with all the vitals and security checks, accidents can happen, and the homecare provider will emphasize the importance of highlighting in the emergency plan so everyone involved will know the proper steps to take in case of a medical emergency.
There are many many tasks a caregiver will provide; these are just a few of the services home health care can provide for you and your loved ones! If you are interested in learning more about home health care’s comprehensive and compassionate service, please contact us today!
*ACHC License #
Miami Dade County: 29992562 (Medicare & Medicaid Certified)
Broward County: 299994743
