Home Health Care is a safe and affordable solution that allows patients the opportunity to receive care in the comfort of their own homes — wherever that home may be.
If you or a loved one have chosen home health services, here are ten ways you can get the most out of your experience:
1. Explain Your Support Network to Your Provider
Some people have a lot of support from nearby family and friends, while others live further away or have smaller support networks. Let your home health provider know who will be around to help you, when they are available, and any areas that they aren’t capable of providing care you’ll need. Your home health provider is there to not only support you, but also your family and friends. They can be there when others aren’t available, providing safety and peace of mind for everyone.
2. Be Open About Your Needs and Preferences
Your home health treatment plan should be centered around you. At Constellation Health, we create each plan specifically for each individual. The more information your provider has about your needs and preferences, the easier it will be to create a plan designed for your unique situation.
3. Explain Your Daily Routines
Helping individuals maintain their independence and continue doing the things they love is a priority for home health providers. Let your provider know how you live each day, what things you like to do, and when you like to do them. They’ll work with you to find solutions that will help you live as close to your typical day as possible.
4. Fully Disclose All Medications and Supplements
Your home health provider will likely know about your current prescriptions, but if you are taking anything over the counter drugs, or using supplements, let them know. They can help ensure you are taking everything correctly, that all your medications work well together, and explain any side effects you need to watch for. Your provider can also help you keep a medication schedule and make sure that your prescriptions are filled correctly and on time.
5. Keep Communication Open
It’s important to have open communication with your home health provider. If you have a question about your care, don’t hesitate to ask. If you have a symptom that is worrying you, let your provider know. There’s no such thing as a silly question or concern when it comes to your health. The more you communicate with your provider, the better able they are to help you.
6. Share Your Hobbies and Interests
Part of a patient’s home health needs include companionship. Your home health provider can be a great source of conversation, comfort, and friendship. Your provider can also help create solutions for you to engage in many of the activities you enjoy.
8. Follow Your Treatment Plan
It can be hard to follow your treatment plan. Things like bedrest can get boring, while physical therapy exercises may be painful at first. However, it’s important that you follow your treatment plan to ensure the healthiest outcomes possible. Your provider can make it easier by cheering you on and offering support.
8. Be Yourself
Depending on your personality, it can be hard to invite someone into your home. Sometimes patients feel obligated to put on a brave face, or to “host” their home health provider, but it’s your provider’s job to be there for you. Let your provider know when you are in pain or discouraged, and they’ll help you feel better. Let them know when you are happy and doing well, and they’ll celebrate along with you.
9. Accept Care
Whether you are the patient, or part of their support circle, sometimes it can be hard to accept the help of others. However, there are times when we all need to be cared for. Home health providers are trained to support you, your family, and your friends. They want to ensure you have the most independence possible, with the right care in the areas you need most. For your friends and family, they are there as an added layer of support and guidance. By allowing your home health provider to care for you, you are taking the best care of yourself.
10. Be Patient
Recovery is never fun or immediate. It can be hard to be patient as your body heals, and as you learn to live with new realities. It can also be difficult for your family and friends to be patient as they watch you recover. It’s important that you don’t try to make things happen at a faster pace as this often leads to setbacks, and longer recoveries. Patience is one of the best ways to ensure your best health outcomes.
