Home care services are appropriate for patients with acute as well as chronic conditions. Hospital and skilled nursing facility stays continue to decline, and in some cases facilities seek to avoid admissions. The cost is about one-third that of hospitalization. Services that previously could not be provided in the home can now be safely and efficiently delivered there. Nearly all of the home care services described here can result in excellent outcomes at lower costs than in the hospital.
Patients also appreciate remaining in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.
Most people have far less stress when they are home, and this more relaxed state can lead to better recovery regardless of the health problem or illness. Allowing the expectant mother to remain in the home whenever possible not only reduces costs, but helps her maintain bonds with other children and family members. Three of the most common home perinatal nursing services are uterine monitoring, tocolytic management, and nonstress testing. A nurse visits at least weekly, and a patient can call a nurse 24 hours a day. The pregnant patient begins the home monitoring session partially reclining on a bed or couch in front of her television set.