What Is Home Health Care?

What home health care services are available?

Home health care services include chronic disease management, fall prevention, wound care, and more. Home health care staff can assist with:

• Recovery from medical treatment or surgery
• In-home physical or occupational therapy
• Transition home from nursing home
• A newborn needing special care
• A child needing medical or postoperative care
• Mobility issues
• Speech therapy

What are the benefits of home health care?

• Greater independence
• Safety, comfort and convenience
• Management of ongoing medical condition
• Avoid unnecessary hospitalization
• Aid in recovery
• Peace of mind for loved ones
• Team of professionals

What should you look for in a home health care team?

There are two main types of home health care – certified (skilled) and private duty. When searching for home health care, families should look for a team that offers a multi-disciplinary approach that includes a range of services from nurses, physical, occupational or speech therapists, medical social workers and home health aides. It is crucial to find programs and services that are customized to you or your loved one that promote self-management of health conditions.

What specialized services are available in home health care?

Infusion services ranging from hydration to bleeding disorder therapy as well as medication used to treat infection, gastrointestinal issues and many other diseases can be performed by an infusion-trained home health nurse. The nurse will teach you and/or a care partner to administer therapy as ordered by your physician and will then see you weekly for IV line dressing changes and lab draws. Having access to a nurse or a pharmacist 24/7 is important if any immediate questions or concerns arise.

What are the steps to get home health care services?

Start by having a conversation with your physician to determine if home health care is appropriate for you and you meet insurance requirements. A physician referral is required for home health care services. The home health care agency will provide next steps on what to expect and work with you and/or your provider to develop a care plan.

Home care services are tailored to meet a variety of needs, but they share a common goal to enable happier, healthier, more independent living for loved ones and to support and provide peace of mind for families.

Bronson at Home

Bronson at Home services nine counties in southwest Michigan. You can learn more about Bronson at Home by visiting bronsonhealth.com/services/bronson-at-home/ or by calling (844) 241-4663.