You and your loved one’s primary care physician believe it is time for a transition from an acute care or rehabilitation setting to home. However, the patient needs some care and help for a time. What kind of assistance is needed and for how long? Your home healthcare agency in State College, PA, can help you choose the right care plan. Life at home can be safe and good. Learn more about what you need to make an informed decision for your loved one.
Choose a Home Healthcare Agency
Here is the first step in choosing the right care plan. Choose a home healthcare agency which has a good reputation. Take some time to research and compare different agencies in your area.
Look for positive patient reviews and recommendations from other families who have used these services. Also, check that the agency is accredited and licensed by the state.
Assess Your Loved One’s Needs in the Home
Every person’s healthcare needs are unique. You know your loved one best. So, carefully think about his or her specific needs before deciding on a care plan.
Consider factors such as the particular medical condition, medication management, daily living activities, transportation needs and more. Also, think about what your loved one can accomplish independently and safely and what tasks you are willing and able to take on.
Discuss Those Healthcare Needs with the PCP
Involve your loved one’s primary care physician (PCP) in these healthcare decisions. Schedule a meeting with the physician to discuss your loved one’s needs. Ask for recommendations on the elements of home healthcare required when the patient leaves the hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Consider What Home Healthcare Services Can Do
If your loved one is able to live at home with some help, home healthcare really is a good option. Home healthcare services can include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and personal care assistance.
In short, does your loved one need:
- Medication management and vaccines
- Evaluation of blood pressure and other vital signs
- In-home blood draws, urine tests and other lab services
- Physical therapy to improve balance, strength, endurance, coordination and safety in ambulation
- Occupational therapy for success in dressing, bathing and other activities of daily living
- Speech therapy to improve language and communication skills after a stroke
- Help with errands, light housekeeping, meals and laundry
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
The right home health care agency can help you and your loved one cope with the challenges of life with chronic medical conditions. The agency also may offer counseling services to assist in managing the stress, anxiety or depression that can come along with serious illnesses or surgeries.
Besides supplying these essential services, many home healthcare agencies now offer specialized programs for specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, wound care management and palliative (symptom management) care. These programs come with expertly trained staff who understand the unique needs and challenges of each condition. They develop care plans individually suited to each patient and adjust them as time goes on.
At Advantage Home Health Services, we offer two wonderful home healthcare options: the STAR program and HHome. STAR assists people who wish to live in their homes while receiving medical care and support for serious chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and COPD, among others.
HHOME is the Home Health Orthopedic Model for Excellence. It assists patients who have had complex orthopedic surgeries, such as hip replacement. Our HHOME providers ensure that the home environment is safe so as to avoid rehospitalization, injury or trips to the ER.
Both home healthcare options are award-winning, professionally run and evidence based. We are recognized as an agency which puts patient care first. Our patients and their families recognize that fact!
The Finest Home Healthcare in State College, PA
At Advantage Home Health Services, our caring team makes the transition to the home environment workable, safe and life-sustaining. If you face decisions about moving your loved one back home, contact us for more information about how we can be your right choice for ongoing care.
Just fill out our information request form or call us at (888) 384-0395 and we will be in touch. We look forward to helping you and yours live well at home.
