Not long ago, when an older adult needed additional time to recover from surgery, the only options available were relying on the care provided by family members or spending time in a nursing home.
Oftentimes, instead of focusing on a care schedule ideal for the situation, arrangements for a recovering parent are fueled by emotions. The results of an NAC/AARP survey conducted in 2011 and published on RightatHome.com reveal that most adult children feel it is their responsibility to care for an aging parent. According to this study, “Informal caregivers provide an estimated 21 hours of care per week, performing duties such as grocery shopping and bathing, and contribute an average of $200 to $234 per month in out-of-pocket expenditures for groceries, transportation, medications, or others forms of cash support.”
An important point made by this survey is that, “both caregivers and care recipients often benefit when formal services are available to supplement the assistance of family caregivers and to relieve caregiver stress.”
In situations such as these, home health is a good option. Here are some reasons why.
- Qualified care is provided.
“We provide an entire staff of clinicians that assist people in their own homes by providing qualified care in the fields of nursing, occupational therapy and speech therapy,” said Justin Stenquist, Business Development Manager of Symbii Health. “This isn’t merely a babysitting service for adults. Home healthcare provides clinicians who possess the expertise necessary to ensure the safety of your loved one and can determine the progress within the recovery process.”
- Patients are able to continue rehabilitation.
For most, the time allowed for rehabilitation is limited. Unfortunately, many people need more time to achieve full recovery. Home health facilitates rehabilitation that can be provided in the home.
“Our services enable patients to continue their physical and exercise programs for people who may have difficulty getting to outpatient or other rehabilitative settings to receive care,” explained Stenquist.
- Clinicians work closely with physicians for seamless care.
Each home care company has its strengths. The best way to determine the most beneficial service for you is to discuss your options with your doctor. Most physicians are familiar with the services each home health company provides and can help you select one that best fits the rehabilitative perimeters.
“For example,” points out Stenquist, “if your loved one is recovering from hip surgery, the physician should know which company provides the best orthopedic care.”
“Doctors want a good outcome,” added Stenquist. “They want to work with clinicians that they know, like and trust.” A home health option allows adult children to care for their aging parents by making qualified care available for a sufficient time and in cooperation with your physician.
More importantly, home health frees up the family to focus on providing much-needed emotional encouragement and quality family time for their loved ones.