Care Options: LTC Treatment Variations - In-Home Treatment

In-home treatment can be administered when a patient is just coming out of a hospital stay or is otherwise incapacitated.  Skilled and custodial caretakers will probably both play a role in recovery, along with friends and family. People who have very close family members and an otherwise strong informal care network are the best candidates for this type of LTC. In some instances, illness or impairment may be too severe to be treated at home. 

There are agencies can do an assessment of your home and develop a care plan based on what is needed most. It is important to have someone do this for you, as the position of caregiver is a very stressful one and an objective opinion can be invaluable.  Physicians and other skilled professionals should also participate in developing an in-home care plan.

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In-Home Treatment Features

The ability of family members, including the patient's spouse, to assist must be taken into consideration when deciding what help to bring in. The ability of the patient to perform usual daily living activities should also be considered.  It is important that the patient has as much help as necessary, but it is best that they not become less independent than is possible because of this help.  Of course, the patients’ financial situation and the support available from informal caregivers in addition to family members should also be considered when developing a plan.
Usually, a home health aide is the primary caregiver after a close family member. The services of this aide, and other personnel, like therapists, are conducted under the supervision of a registered nurse, who makes in-home visits, generally at least every 2 weeks. 

In-home care can be expensive. In addition to personnel, often sickroom equipment is necessary.  Medicare can sometimes cover these costs, but providers of both services and equipment must be Medicare certified.  LTC insurance can be invaluable in this situation.

The Strengths of an In-Home Treatment Solution

Home care is a good alternative only if the outcome is the same as it would be in a hospital. Quality of life and quantity of life must be considered and one weighed against the other. Ultimately, the individual receiving treatment or the person who best understands them, should be able to express which priority is more important to them. Ideally, fulfillment of these wishes is possible without a drastic impact on the financial and emotional well-being of the remaining family members.

Proper LTC coverage will help prepare your family for the financial burdens ahead and offer peace of mind so that these important decisions can be made based on comfort and need, rather than finance.

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