Population aging and the sudden rise in the proportion of elderly people is a worldwide phenomenon caused by declining fertility and rising life expectancy. According to WHO, it is expected that by 2030, more people will be at risk of developing chronic diseases, ill health, and dependence that are influenced by old age.
The significant shift in the burden of illness from acute life-threatening diseases to chronic disabling degenerative illnesses resulting from population aging can result in temporary or permanent functional disabilities and a lower quality of life. And the rising costs of health care and long-term care will pose a significant challenge to the healthcare delivery system. With this dilemma, there is a need and demand to provide innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of the elderly. And here’s what you need to know.
Why is Home Health Care a Viable Solution?
The aging population and the increase of the oldest segments within are in connection with the shift from informal to formal home health care services. Many distinct therapies, spanning a wide range of illnesses and therapy areas, can be provided in this manner. Treatment is delivered and administered by professional and qualified healthcare staff under the supervision of a treating physician, who remains in charge of and is responsible for the patient’s treatment.
Home nursing care can also be an essential part of the post-hospitalization rehabilitation process, particularly in the first few weeks after discharge when the patient still needs regular physical help. The healthcare packages must be personalized and coordinated and designed to assist the elderly in receiving critical support while in their own homes. Home health care is often less expensive, more convenient, and equally effective as care received in a medical center.
It has been revealed that in-home nursing care enhances the quality of life of the elderly and encourages them to recover at their own pace. Also, it relieves pressure on family members juggling a full-time career and parenting. And it is also the most cost-effective strategy to provide access to basic health care for such a vulnerable population.
How Do Home Health Care Services Improve the Quality of Life of the Elderly?
Ensure All Medical Requirements are Met
If seniors have returned home from the hospital or having difficulty administering their medication, home care can be a valuable commodity to their quality of life. Rather than putting their medical care in their own hands, home care can ensure that they receive the necessary treatments and medications without spending additional time in a medical institution.
Assist Them in Their Daily Activities
It can be difficult for relatives and loved ones to find time to assist their elderly loved ones with all their responsibilities, especially if they work or have children. But home nursing care can ensure that your loved one can bathe, dress, go groceries, and get out of bed whenever they require assistance.
Ensure they Received Adequate Personal Care
Caregivers in a nursing home or other medical institution are unlikely to be able to provide the specialized care and particular attention that your loved one needs, especially if they are caring for a large number of senior citizens. However, home care services can establish a personal relationship with your loved one, allowing them to get the specialized care that is tailored to their specific preferences and requirements.
Decrease Loneliness and Isolation
Aside from assisting your loved one in completing their routine and living their life to the fullest, home care can benefit your relative in a far simple way: by providing them with daily company. It can help your older loved one cope with their disease and keep their quality of life from declining due to loneliness and isolation.