Chapter 2: Settings Where Healthcare is Delivered
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
In Home Care
In-home care, also known as home health care, is medical or other supportive care that is provided in the patient’s home rather than a healthcare facility. The care that is provided varies greatly and is provided by a wide-range of healthcare professionals. Some common conditions that patients receiving home healthcare services have include: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, wound care, stroke, Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. There are many professionals that deliver home health care, these include: nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and medical social service providers. Other home health services that can be provided may include checking vital signs, pain assessments, medication management, monitoring food/nutrition intake, assistance with basic hygiene, ensuring that the patient’s home is safe, as well as providing oxygen therapy and home-ventilator care.
Beyond the convenience of a patient having care provided in their own home, it is oftentimes, much less expensive and effective as the care provided in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility. As part of home health care, family members are encouraged to be part of developing the patient’s plan of care to create and meet goals, while working with the home healthcare team.
In Home Hospice
In-home hospice care provides support to the patient and their loved ones when an individual chooses to spend the end of life in their own home. The goals of care that hospice provides is much different than that of traditional in-home care. Hospice care focuses on ensuring that the patient is comfortable rather than curing a disease or other condition. Generally, hospice care is in place when an individual has an estimated life-expectancy that is six-months or less. The approach that hospice provides is very team-oriented that involves several professionals that are experts in pain management and social support. The in-home hospice care plan is developed around the individual’s needs and choices, all while being able to spend their remaining time with those who are most important and focusing on the things that matter the most to them.