A recent workshop on home health care conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research found that home health care can be a solution to rising health costs in the United States.

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In addition to reducing costs, workshop participants learned that home health care is widely sought after by seniors and can give patients better health outcomes.

“Patients are, for the most part, THE MOST comfortable in their own environment. With loved ones close and in one’s own familiar setting, the stress involved in recovering from an acute medical or surgical episode is often reduced, leading to the probability of a faster, more complete recovery than in another setting. Home health takes into account patient’s lifestyle, environment and beliefs, and easily incorporates the uniqueness of each patient situation into the plan of care,” said Grace Ravicchio, RN, BSN and Director of Clinical Operations at SunLife Home Health.

Ravicchio adds that many insurances cover the costs of home health services along with its necessary supplies and equipment, while inpatient rehabilitation could result in out-of-pocket expenses.

In fact, a 2009 report by the AARP Public Policy Institute estimated that “on average, the Medicaid program can provide HCBS [home and community-based long-term care services] to three people for the cost of serving one person in a nursing home.”

That same report also found the states that were investing in these services seemed to be slowing their rate of Medicaid spending growth.

“If the insurance plan covers home health, it would be well worth the effort to research the option to verify that home health might just be the more cost-effective solution,” said Ravicchio.

Still, many people don’t know about these benefits and home health care services in general. According to the IOM, families are not communicating in advance, leaving a lot of home health care options closed until an emergency situation. This lack of communication often causes complications for patients and their families such as longer hospitalizations and higher medical bills.

“Since home health has many benefits to patients, agencies are actively reaching out to referral sources with information on what is available. Community forums, and education sessions for referral sources and the public are some ways to help expand the knowledge of the home health benefit. Patients and family members can always ask about home health,” Ravicchio said.

Home health care encompasses a large variety of patient needs that many are in the dark about. These services include rehabilitative care after surgery, speech therapy, geriatric care management, making appointments, and medication education.

“How many people keep medications that the physician has changed or discontinued?” asked Ravicchio. “This could lead to improper administration and acute medical complications. Also of note is the need for education in medical diagnoses, in order to keep symptoms managed and prevent hospitalization. In addition, there is a full spectrum of teaching in preventing in-home falls. Knowledge is power when related to self-management and safety,” she added.

It’s incredibly important to talk to your friends and loved ones about home health care, for the simple fact that this workshop and numerous other studies have shown, it’s what they want as they get older.

“Some resources that would be able to assist with home health are physicians, and, if you are in the hospital or rehab facility, case managers and discharge planners can facilitate the home health referral process. Don’t hesitate to ask for information,” Ravicchio says.

Technological advancements, updated training, and upcoming law proposals are helping the industry move forward, allowing for patients to get the care they need wherever they are.

 * Home health service, like all other health care services, must be ordered by a physician. The information in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. For all questions and concerns, please contact your medical care provider.