Formal and informal caregivers promote, restore and maintain a person’s maximum level of comfort
Home-based care is supportive care provided in the home by formal and informal caregivers in order to promote, restore and maintain a person’s maximum level of comfort, function and health including care towards a dignified death. These services can be classified into preventive, promotive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, long-term maintenance and palliative care categories. Care may be provided by licensed healthcare professionals who offer medical treatment needs or by professional caregivers who provide daily assistance to ensure the activities of daily living are met. Home-based care enables patients to be cared for in a familiar environment as well as allowing them to participate in and contribute to family life and make them part of their families and community.
Home care allows a person who might be chronically ill, recovering from surgery, disabled, or old to get special healthcare in their home. Service providers aim to deliver high-quality care by working closely with their patients and family to create unique and personalised care plans that best meet the physical, emotional as well as spiritual needs of their loved one as he/she recovers. They provide home care to people of all ages–from babies to the elderly. Their services include but are not limited to skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, medical social services, infusion therapy as well as personal and wound care.
When you decide to find a home health care service provider in Zambia, it is imperative to understand what your needs are and how different agencies will work to meet your needs. Whether that means a temporary period during recovery or a long-term care solution for chronic illness, they can provide flexible assistance in the calm and comfort of your own home. This includes varying schedules, times and care styles. They are available to serve you in the manner that will provide the most relief to you or your loved one’s struggles. Caregivers are carefully selected, trained and vetted to ensure the utmost quality of care. They are on-call 24 hours a day should an emergency arise. Each client is personally introduced to his/her caregiver by a client care coordinator to ensure compatibility and confidence, for both the caregiver and the client. Home-based health care is a cost-effective alternative to extended hospitalisation, rehabilitation, or a nursing homestay. Patients are usually more comfortable in their own home and studies have shown patients recover quicker at home.
Home care service providers are committed to minimising hospitalisation and to maintaining the quality of life at home. They look at the patient, his/her environment and support system when planning the services to be delivered. Their nurses and caregivers possess the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver the highest quality of services.
Why choose home-based health care?
- Patients enjoy the sanctity of their home and the joy of being around their loved ones
- It keeps families together, this is particularly important in times of illness. The ties of responsibility and caring can be severed by hospitalisation
- Prevents or postpones institutionalisation
- Promotes healing - there is scientific evidence that many patients heal faster at home
- Many risks, such as infection, are eliminated or minimised when care is given at home
- It allows for the maximum amount of freedom for the individual. Patients at home remain as engaged with their usual daily activities as their health permits
- The patient's own physician continues to oversee his or her care
- It is personalised and tailored to the needs of each individual. Patients receive one-on-one care and attention
- Less expensive than other forms of care, especially lengthy inpatient hospitalisation
- Care prevent re-hospitalisation and decrease the need for urgent care