Recognize importance of patient care in the home
Every November, across the U.S., the home health community recognizes National Home Care & Hospice Month to honor its professionals who make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families. These skilled nurses, caregivers, aides, therapists and social workers are generally employed by home care and hospice agencies. They provide services to millions of Americans who have chronic conditions, need rehabilitative therapy or are terminally ill.
Home care and hospice professionals are garnering local and regional attention, as well. Mayors and governors have been signing proclamations designating November as Home Care & Hospice Month in their cities and states. As a recent example, on October 21, 2014, Governor Rick Perry signed such a proclamation to increase Texans’ awareness of home care and hospice as alternatives to institutional-based health care and to recognize the professionals who provide the care. More recently, Mayor Richard Keating of Marathon Florida made the same proclamation on November 12, 2014.
The home is becoming a more prevalent setting for health care services. In 2010, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) reported that: “Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive care from more than 33,000 providers (for causes including acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disability, or terminal illness).”
Studies show that “aging in place” is preferred over hospitalization and skilled nursing facilities by today’s senior population. According to an Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com poll conducted in 2011, “40 percent of boomers expect they will stay in the home they live in today for their entire retirement.” In a 2005 survey by AARP, 89 percent of people age 50 and older said they would prefer to remain in their home indefinitely as they age.
As our country’s demographics continue shifting to a larger number of older adults and people continue to live longer, the demand for home care and hospice services will increase. More and more of your friends, families and neighbors will be receiving care in their homes. Axxess encourages you to take time this month to recognize the dedication and critical roles that home care professionals play in the quality of living of so many people.