In America, health care has historically functioned in a reactive, crisis format. For seniors, that may mean a hospitalization from an illness, a chronic health condition, or a fall. And sadly, once an older adult comes into the hospital for treatment, a cycle of readmission can follow, with the senior recovering and being discharged, only to return with a complication, and so the cycle goes.
But we in the home care industry know that professional in-home care services can allow us to approach health care from a preventative mindset and actually break this readmission cycle. As Matt Hansen, DPT, General Manager of Homespire Health points out, in a traditional hospital or clinic setting, the health care professional can only address the health crisis based upon the information the patient provides. In-home care looks at the situation holistically, allowing seniors to recover and remain in the comfort of home and reduce the risk of readmissions.
When a senior receives home care services, caregivers not only address his or her immediate health need, but can see and work to remedy factors that could contribute to the need for readmission. For instance, if the senior has diabetes, the caregiver can monitor the types of foods kept in the home and ensure healthy eating habits. If the senior is recovering from a fall, the caregiver can enhance basic safety around the home, such as through eliminating throw rugs, adding grab bars, and moving furniture to help make navigating the home safer.
One driving principal for Hansen within the home care industry is the 7 essential elements of wellbeing. These include the vital components people need to live life to the fullest and should be utilized as a guide in creating a plan of care that will meet seniors’ needs proactively and with a preventative mindset:
- Health and wellness
- Home and safety
- Personal identity
- Social supports
- Finances
- Thinking and memory
- Purpose and passion
In Hansen’s opinion, purpose and passion are the most essential components of an in-home care plan. When a senior’s care team understands what sparks a senior’s passion, it’s easier to help the senior remain engaged in life while maintaining safety.
Does your homecare marketing reach seniors and their families with the message that your services can aid in breaking the cycle of recurring hospital readmissions? If not, why not engage the services of the professional homecare marketing team at MOST to ensure you’re reaching your target audience with the messages that will resound with them the best?
We have decades of experience in helping home care agencies stand out in the crowded marketplace, and would love to help your agency shine! Contact us online any time or call 800.370.6580, x3, to learn more.
