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It is not uncommon for seniors today to require temporary or permanent assistance with caring for themselves after a diagnosis or surgical procedure. This care is often more than a typical caregiver can offer, which is why many families turn to skilled home health care. These professionals offer a wide range of skilled services to patients, including everything from diabetic care to ileostomy care while extending patients compassion and empathy.
Skilled Home Health Care Services
In some instances, seniors have more to contend with than just the natural effects of aging. These conditions could be the result of an injury or a diagnosis and often require the skilled home health services of a medical professional.
The most commonly provided skilled home health care services typically include:
Catheterization
Whether it is due to severe incontinence, surgery, or another medical condition, some doctors may suggest catheterization for the patient. Due to the nature of this procedure, caring for it can be difficult and may require skilled assistance. A skilled home health care provider should be sympathetic to the patient’s feelings while ensuring catheterization hygiene and other related needs are adequately addressed.
Ileostomy Care
An ileostomy is an opening in the body that is created surgically and connects the abdominal wall to the small intestine, also known as the ileum. Some ileostomies are temporary while others could be for several months or even for the remainder of a lifetime. Skilled home health care agents should be able to assist patients with related hygiene and care which can be similar to that of a colostomy.
Infusion Therapy
While some medications can be administered orally, some instances require that they be administered through a catheter or needle. This may be referred to as infusion therapy. Conditions that may require infusion therapy can include cancer, congestive heart failure, Crohn’s disease, dehydration, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain management to name just a few.
Gastrostomy Feeding
In some cases, patients are no longer to eat regular food orally. This may be a temporary or more permanent condition, and it usually requires nourishment to occur via a tube that goes into the stomach. Medicine may also be administered in the same way. A medical professional can help with the gastrostomy feeding process.
Colostomy Care
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that connects a patient’s abdominal wall to their colon. Depending on the condition which required a colostomy, it may be temporary or permanent. A skilled health professional can assist a patient with changing appliances or emptying pouches.
Diabetic Care
Managing diabetes is no small undertaking for many patients, especially aging adults. Skilled home health care personnel should facilitate diabetes management via monitoring blood pressure, managing insulin levels, and helping the patient establish a healthy lifestyle.
Wound Care
Regardless of if wound care is needed for an injury or a surgical procedure, a skilled home health care provider should be able to assist a patient with caring for the wound. This may include proper cleaning of the wound, changing of dressings, and minimizing any related conditions.
In addition to these specific services, a reputable skilled home health care should educate patients on their condition and how they can better cope with it. While medical professionals may help a patient on a fairly ongoing basis, it can still greatly benefit a patient and their loved ones if they know how to better care for the condition. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to ask questions in an effort to educate and equip themselves with helpful information.
Things to Look for In Skilled Home Health Care
Finding the appropriate skilled home health care is crucial to a patient’s comfort level, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. For this reason, there are several things to look for in a provider:
Experience
Verify how long the company has been providing skilled home health care services.
Qualifications
Be sure to ask about the medical background and education levels required of employees by the company.
Multilingual Offerings
If language barrier is a potential concern for the patient, it is vital to ensure that the company can offer multilingual services.
Care Coordination
A reputable skilled home health care service should coordinate a patient’s care with their physician and effectively communicate it to the patient and family members when appropriate.
Specific Treatment Plans
Once a home health care professional synchronizes care to the protocol set by a patient’s physician, they should put a treatment plan in place, complete with treatment goals.
Insurance Accepted
Whether you intend to use Medicare, private insurance, or workers compensation, verify that the company will accept these forms of insurance.
If you or a senior you know may require skilled home health care services, Senior Estate Concierge is happy to assist you with your search as well as answer any questions you may have.
