Myths About Home HealthCare

When it comes to health care options, home health care is often overlooked or misunderstood. Many people associate it with nursing homes , but it's not always what you think. In fact, home health care can offer a range of benefits for people of all ages and stages of life. It provides personalized, convenient, and cost-effective health care in the comfort of your own home.

Let’s explore the myths and realities of home health care and how it can benefit you or a loved one. So don't write it off just yet – keep reading to learn more.

Myth#1: Home Health Care Is Too Expensive

Fact:

Many people are unaware that home health care is distinct from other in-home services like nursing care and private personal home care. These latter two services usually require payment out-of-pocket, whereas home health care does not.

According to the 2019 National Cost of Care Survey from Genworth,^[1] having in-home care costs a median monthly amount of $4385. In contrast, getting help at an assisted living facility has a monthly median cost of only $4051 while staying in a private room at a nursing facility would cost you $8517 per month on average.

In-home health care is not as expensive as one might think, especially when considering the convenience and personalized attention you receive. Additionally, home health care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Myth#2: Care from Hospitals and Other Facilities Is More Reliable than Home Health Care

Fact:

According to the Medicare website, "home health care is just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility". Home health care providers employ a number of well-trained professionals, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers. Depending on your loved one's health condition, a physician’s order may be required. Every patient receives an individual care plan and all of their medical needs are taken care of.

Home health care teams have the expertise to not only manage your medical needs but also evaluate other factors that could affect your recovery. For example, they can come up with a system to help you keep track of medications or make suggestions on how to improve your comfort and prevent further injury. All of these are done in the comfort of your own home.

Myth#3: I Have My Family to Care for Me

Fact

Some older adults are lucky to have relatives who can step in and be their family caregivers. This works out well because there is already a comfort level between the two parties. Home health care providers definitely cannot replace family caregivers but they can certainly give them a break. Many times, family caregivers also need some extra help to ensure their older loved one's medical needs are met. For example, trained medical professionals can provide wound care and catheterization - services that most people cannot do.

In addition, home health care providers can bring more peace of mind as they are supervised and held accountable regulatory agencies. Deciding to enlist home health care services for an elderly loved one is a difficult but necessary step on the road to better managing their medical conditions.

Myth#4: I Might Lose My Independence

Fact

Though it can feel intimidating at first, home health care does not equal a loss of independence. On the contrary, it is designed to help you or your loved one maintain as much autonomy and independence as possible while still receiving necessary medical attention. For example, certain services such as physical therapy may be prescribed so that patients can gain more mobility and become more self-sufficient.

It is important to remember that it is possible to have a life with home health care and still be independent. Home health care providers are there to do their job, but they should also respect the patient's wishes as much as possible. After all, you can always voice out any concerns or preferences you have, and the care team should be willing to accommodate you.

Myth#5: In-Home Caregivers Cannot Be Trusted

Fact

Letting a stranger into your home can be a frightening experience, especially if you or your loved one is at their golden years. However, most home health care providers are highly trained and have received certification in their respective fields. Many of them also have years of experience, so you can rest assured that all medical procedures will be done with the utmost professionalism and safety.

A top-quality home health care company often has rigorous screening processes to ensure the safety of its patients. A background and reference check are just a few of the measures used to ensure that all employees are of good character and can be trusted with your care.

In addition, each home health care provider is required to adhere to strict regulations and guidelines set by state and federal governments. This ensures that patients receive quality care in their own homes and that the caregivers are properly trained and supervised.

Myth#6: Home Health Care Is for People Who Got Discharged from Hospital Only

Fact

This is simply not true. Home health care can serve many different purposes, from helping seniors manage chronic conditions to providing rehabilitation services after surgery or an injury. In fact, home health care is often recommended for those who are unable to visit the hospital due to their age or existing medical condition.

Home health care is meant to provide convenient and comprehensive medical assistance in the comfort of someone's home. It can also be used for preventive measures such as medication reminders or disease education. The goal is always to improve quality of life and help individuals maintain their independence by providing necessary medical services in the most comfortable setting available.

Myth #7: Home Health Care Is Only For Bedridden Patients

Fact

One of the requirements listed in Medicare's eligibility requirements^[2] for home health care is that the patient must be "homebound". This does not necessarily mean bedridden, however; it just means that the individual should have difficulty leaving their house due to illness or injury. Patients who struggle to leave home without assistance from equipment such as cranes, wheelchairs, canes, or walkers may also be eligible.

The goal of home health care is to help you or a loved one receive medical attention without having to leave your homes or depend on other people for transportation. This way, you can focus on your recovery without being overwhelmed by the thought of having to go somewhere else.