Sunaina and Rajeev (for personification purposes) are 40-year-old urban working professionals managing their respective jobs, their family and daily chores, with minimal time to themselves and their passions. However, another aspect of responsibilities, typical for their age awaits them: caring for their ageing parents, who require hands-on care and commitment. While Sunaina and Rajeev want to give their parents the best care, they often miss a task or two, making them guilty of not getting things done right.
The couple is a section of the population that requires extra professional help when it comes to managing elderly care while following their respective routines. As per a study, irrespective of their health conditions, urban families are under constant pressure while caring for their aged loved ones. Around 73.86% and 70.59% of families experience problems and strain due to caregiving responsibilities.
An extra hand at home can likely take some pressure off. Enter home healthcare services. These are professional and personalised home nursing services, accompanied by skilled and trained care providers who offer hands-on medical services at the doorstep. This is a boon for geriatric patients who prefer a home-like atmosphere while undergoing treatments and their families who can delegate the activity to professionals while keeping a watchful eye.
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The convenience of home healthcare providers for caregivers
Research suggests elderly patients are likely to recover quickly with less complication when tended to at home instead of the hospital. The custom approach to treatment works very well for the patient and the caregivers.
For instance, home healthcare aides can take up day-to-day chores of bathing, dressing, medication, companionship and other tasks that take off the families’ pressure. Such services create a perfect routine for the elderly, who feel cared for without the discomfort of a new space (the hospital).
In addition to taking off the burden, home healthcare aides can also offer insights into the right caregiving practice that can help make the process easier. They can also educate family members about follow-up procedures and emergency services. This works well for families who may not have much experience dealing with elderly care and would like to be ready in emergencies.
Adding to daily care, geriatric healthcare may also mandate multiple trips to the hospital that can eat into the workday of the children. This in turn can affect their work performance, leaves and tenure with the employer. With home healthcare services, hospital trips are reduced, giving families more time to rest or pursue their work without worry and investing time in their private lives.
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The monetary benefits of home health service providers
Most times, a single hospital visit can lead to bills costing up to thousands of rupees. Unless it's an emergency, high-quality home healthcare service can ensure the same quality care minus the hefty bills.
These can also include regular tests and diagnoses that do not require the patient or the caregiver to leave the comfort of their homes. These tests are often a part of the overall package, which further reduces ad-hoc expenses and keeps unpleasant surprises at bay.
Final takeaway
Home healthcare services are designed to help patients and families get the best treatment without the hassle. It is in no way, a replacement for critical care, which may be necessary for some instances, but it is slowly becoming a preferred option for most urban dwellers.
Inputs provided by Amol R. Deshmukh, Founder and CEO, MedRabbits
