By 1916, these services were available to more than ten million policy holders in the United States, creating the first nationwide system of insurance for home-based care. Home care services are provided by a variety of organizations, including governmental providers such as health departments, tax-exempt entities such as visiting nurse associations, hospitals with home care divisions, independent registries of nurses and supporting home care personnel, and today national companies in the business of home care services. These organizations hire or contract with physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, aides, other others. Home care is paid for directly by the patients, family members of the patient, or through a variety of private and public sources. The provision of fluids necessary for maintenance or therapeutic purposes Hospice services Provision of services to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less Advantages of Home Care Home care improves the quality of society by enabling individuals to be served in the comfort and security of their home during times of illness, disability, and recuperation.
Home care is intended to maintain the patient s dignity and independence.
Home care is generally less expensive than other forms of delivery of the necessary home care services. Home care reinforces and supplements the provision of care with education to family members and other caregivers. The increase in elderly Americans, increasing medical technology, and population mobility will continue to cause the need for home care services, of all types to increase. We have provided internet links and other information as a part of this site.