Chronic disease is a growing concern in America, and it’s having a serious impact on household budgets. In-home chronic disease management has proven to be more cost-efficient and effective than hospitalization and emergency room care.
What Is In-Home Chronic Disease Management?
In-home chronic disease management services provide ongoing care to people with serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart failure, that require continuing treatment. These services help people with chronic diseases.
The Benefits of In-Home Chronic Disease Management
There are many benefits to in-home chronic disease management, such as:
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It’s More Cost-Effective Than Hospitalization
In-home chronic disease management is more cost-effective and efficient than hospitalization. Home-based therapies have been found to cost 40-60 percent less than hospitalizations and 10-20 percent less than nursing home costs.
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It Preserves Independence and Keeps People at Home
A hospital or nursing home is not just a place to receive medical care; it’s also a place to live. In-home health services allow people with chronic diseases to stay at home, which is more pleasant and convenient and often helps them maintain a sense of independence.
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It’s a Safe Alternative to Hospitalization
Home-based therapies can be preferable to hospitalization because they’re generally safer. Many in-home chronic disease management services with fewer side effects and complications can be provided.
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It Keeps People Connected to Friends and Family
Home care services allow people with chronic diseases to stay connected to family, friends, and the community. For example, in-home health services can help people stay in touch with their support system, so they can continue to participate in social and family activities.
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It Provides Better Quality of Care
Because in-home chronic disease management services are delivered in a home or community environment, the people receiving the services can control the quality of care they receive. In-home health services allow them to receive care from the people they like and trust and in the surroundings they’re accustomed to.
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It May Improve Quality of Life
In-home therapies may help improve a person’s quality of life because they allow a person to continue living in their home and participating in ordinary, everyday activities. Studies have shown that home-based therapies can also help reduce isolation and depression, improve self-esteem, and lessen feelings of helplessness.
In-Home Chronic Disease Management Includes a Variety of Services
In-home chronic disease management includes a variety of services and treatments, such as:
- Medical Care
- Nursing Care
- Dietary Counseling
- Case Management
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Companionship
- Lab Testing
- Continuing Education
- Counseling
Is In-Home Chronic Disease Management Right for Me?
In-home chronic disease management is appropriate for people with serious illnesses who need a consistent, scheduled, ongoing, and comprehensive approach to care.
These services can be very beneficial for people who have:
- Heart disease
- COPD or COPD-like illnesses
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
Home-based chronic disease management is often appropriate for people who would otherwise require frequent hospitalizations.
If you have any of these conditions or other serious chronic conditions that require ongoing or frequent treatment, talk to your doctor about the benefits of in-home chronic disease management.
Conclusion
In-home chronic disease management is a safe and cost-effective way to help people with serious chronic health problems stay at home and live as independently as possible. In-home chronic disease management services may also improve a person’s quality of life and reduce their feelings of helplessness and isolation. If you have chronic health problems discussed in this article, ask your doctor if in-home care services are right for you.
Medistics Health offers chronic care management and other tools to simplify the experience. Patients and healthcare providers can stay well-coordinated throughout treatment through their Remote Patient Monitoring system. Get in touch with us today!