2022 Guide To Home Nursing Services

If you’re looking at the prospect of choosing Pennsylvania home nursing services for yourself or an elderly loved one in 2022, you are not alone. After all, over 4.5 million Americans now use some form of aged care or home nursing to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and more independent quality of living.

Here at Family Choice Healthcare, we provide a range of ADL and IADL services to support your family. This quick guide to 2022 home nursing services will answer all of your key questions, such as;

• Why choose home nursing services?
• Who can benefit from home nursing?
• What’s included in home nursing services?
• How can you choose the best at home nursing?
• How has COVID-19 affected home nursing?

Who are home nursing services aimed at?

Home nursing services focus on helping patients with both personal care and a range of activities that are not deemed instrumental to survival but are still immensely important in their daily lives. 

The vast majority of patients needing home nursing will be senior citizens. In fact, 70% of people aged 65 and over now require some level of assisted care. Below this age range, the majority of people who need home nursing are living with disabilities. In those cases, it should also be noted that care which includes medical services may be more suitable.

While there is no exact specification of what a patient will look like, most candidates will;

• Be 65 or older.
• Struggle with certain daily tasks due to reduced mobility or senses.
• Feel able to take care of themselves for the most part.
• Do not want the upheaval or moving or require 24/7 care.
• Has some support from loved ones. 

A full consultation and assessment can determine whether an individual is suited to home nursing. In most cases, though, anyone who needs support without requiring full-time care can turn to this option in 2022 and beyond.

Why is home nursing the best choice?

Home nursing is far from the only choice open to patients who need a little assisted care in their daily lives. Patients who require 24/7 care, for example, will find that a nursing home is more suitable. 

Nonetheless, contrary to common misconceptions, nursing homes and senior living communities can be quite lonely. It is especially apparent in situations where patients live in homes that cannot be easily accessed by their loved ones but can still be noticed on a daily basis in other traditional nursing home settings.

Home nursing Pennsylvania models allow patients to stay with their spouse, pets, or grown-up children who may serve as primary caregivers. Other reasons for the growing popularity in 2022 include, but are not limited to;

• Patients get to stay in the familiar surroundings of their home environments, which can include a range of sentimental features. Likewise, by remaining in their properties, patients know that the home can be adapted specifically with their needs in mind.
• It is a more cost-effective solution, not only because it is more affordable than 24/7 care but also because patients can keep their biggest financial asset. Home nursing services can also be covered by long-term care insurance, VA applications, and Medicaid plans. 
• Home nursing provides 1-on-1 care and ensures that patients only have to deal with a small number of carers. Carers can work with family members to establish the best routines and plans for the patient. Relatives can also retain their family relationships without feeling like they are just a carer. 
• The tailored care matches the patient’s requirements, meaning everything from the frequency of visits to the list of duties is aligned with personal needs. Moreover, the schedules and level of care can evolve over time as patient’s face new challenges or bodily changes.
• At a time when people are still concerned about COVID, home nursing reduces the number of people that a patient has to interact with. In turn, this can reduce the threat of a viral infection, which can also extend to flu variants and other easily transmitted diseases.

Home nursing is affordable, convenient, and fully customized to match personal needs. Moreover, the chance to form meaningful relationships with caregivers gives patients the best chance of receiving world-class care for the immediate and long-term future.

When you need assistance in daily life rather than 24/7 care, it is the perfect solution for a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

What types of home nursing services are available?

Before choosing home nursing care, it’s imperative that patients (or their loved ones) go the extra mile to confirm it is the right choice. Understanding what to expect from home nursing services is an essential step.

When selecting the home nursing route instead of one of the 15,000+ nursing homes in the country, the process begins with a full assessment to understand the type and level of care that’s required. This includes covering the logistics and working with existing lifestyle routines.

However, you are likely to encounter the terms ADL (Activities of Daily Life) and IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) during the planning phases. Family Choice Healthcare provides both types of services. 

• ADL is a term that covers issues like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility around the home. They are aimed to improve a patient’s daily life by giving them the extra support needed with fundamental daily activities. Many of the tasks are associated with personal care and hygiene.
• IADL relates to issues outside of personal care that still have a huge influence on the person’s lifestyle and wellness. Some examples include housekeeping, healthcare appointments, transportation, and errands. They are often described as hands-off services as physical contact is not needed.

Our guide to ADL and IADL services will provide further information on both. While it should be noted that Family Choice Healthcare does not provide medical care services, our experts can connect you to the appropriate healthcare providers in Pennsylvania to ensure that a comprehensive home nursing strategy is built.

Ultimately, though, both types of home nursing services are designed to promote increased physical and mental health, along with consistency and stability in daily life. 

Home nursing post-pandemic

The pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of our lives, and it’s something you will need to consider when looking at nursing care and aged care services in Pennsylvania in 2022 and beyond.

Caregivers and patients can rest assured that we continue to take the necessary Covid preparations in the right situations. This relates to PPE, hygiene and disinfection, and testing to ensure that infected employees do not enter the home.

It isn’t the only reason for selecting home nursing services over some of the alternative methods of care. Nevertheless, the increased safety as we exit the pandemic is a telling factor. Of course, our carers are eager to work with families and primary caregivers to establish the best and safest practices.

Finding the right care team

If home nursing services in Pennsylvania are deemed the best choice for you or your loved one, it’s vital that you partner with the right team of care providers. Otherwise, many of the proposed benefits will be compromised.

The industry is worth over $96bn and there are many care teams to choose from. Here are six quick tips to help you find the best carers;

• Choose a company that boasts a local presence and a good reputation for providing quality home nursing services.
• Arrange an initial assessment to see the level of care provided and how it can be tailored to your needs.
• Check that they can work with your family and primary caregivers to do what is best for the patient.
• Know that they can also offer care when life situations change, including issues like the onset of dementia.
• Understand the pricing strategy, which includes potential funding options, to check long-term suitability.
• Trust your gut instincts.

Partnering with the right care teams can transform your life forever but nobody wants to go through the process four, five, or six times over 2022 and into 2023 before getting it right. Put the right plans in place now, and you won’t go wrong.

The final word

Whether hiring home nursing services for the first time or looking for improved care in 2022, ensuring that the carers can provide a solution that’s aligned to your (or your loved one’s ) needs will ensure that the retirement years are golden.

To find out more about ADL, IADL, and everything else about home nursing, get in touch by calling 888-358-1341 today.