Home Health Care Heals Healthier

Did you know most Medicare expenses are utilized in the last year of life?  This fact has become more recognized as patients find themselves financially unable to afford proper services to maintain an independent quality of life.  In addition, many over 60 years of age have multiple chronic conditions.  Aging plus chronic conditions that may have become disabling can make health diagnosis and treatment less effective yet more challenging to all healthcare providers.  This also includes family and non-family caregivers who must give up their time, job, etc. to help with care that is unaffordable on a fixed income.


Home based health care is on the rise as the population ages.  More patients than ever before are transitioning to healthcare in their homes including primary care provider visits, tests, and treatment. Studies have found that home health care keeps people healthier and out of the hospital.  It is only natural that the best place to heal and recover is home.


Hospital discharge planning has prepared you for your return home. Most of your care and treatment can be at your home. The old-fashioned housecall remains an important part of medical care.  Most of all it provides continuous continuity at a time when you are unable to physically go to your healthcare providers office.  This is further enhanced with modern technology such as telemedicine.  The convenience and quality time spent with patients in home care lets the doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, and other ancillary providers see you in your natural environment of everyday living.


Home health care includes personal care, too.  Often this service is necessary for help with bathing, dressing and activities of daily living.  Cooking and light housekeeping are just a few of the other services that may be offered.  Patients are able to recover comfortably and quicker when this type of home assistance is included.  Though rarely covered by regular insurance, it is an important part of any home care plan.  Saving money over the years for home personal care should be included in your financial plan especially long term.


Many primary care providers do well care in the home, too.  Minor medical maladies and routine medical care are easily rendered during a house   call. Timely appointments can be made to fit your schedule. As this method of direct primary continues patients are seeing better health outcomes especially after hospitalization.  Readmissions within thirty days are less likely.  Best of all the patient feels better and recovers more quickly.  Home based health care provides greater continuity of care and active, current communication for the patient and all those involved. Get better, stay better at your house.  Best health!

What Internet Does For You & Your Health

Prior to any medical diagnosis you or doctor visit, you are able to check things out for yourself. Textbooks in your personal home library and the public library along with information your health care providers may have given you is initial information most patients are exposed to initially. The Internet is now the primary source for health information for patients and health care providers all over the world. This is the only place you can find valid, up-to-date medical information from all over the world. In a few hours you know as much if not more than any new medical school graduate about your health conditions.

A survey done by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports that over 50% of Americans look up health information on line in 2009. Women were more likely than men to research health information on the Internet. Direct patient-doctor interactions like email, prescription refills, and appointments were used infrequently (5%). Disease specific information is the most searched health information followed by medication. nutrition and fitness.* Most of the patients discussed their findings with their doctors. Key word search using the search engine, Google, was the primary way information was located. Specific websites were second. Over 98% reported the material was reliable and easy to understand.

Information like this helps you and your medical care team help you get the best care possible. Wellness, prevention, early detection and treatment are a few hours and a few clicks away - free. The Internet is a valuable resource that does the following:

• provide you with information that will keep you healthy and well
• help you find the latest research, clinical trials, treatments, doctors for any illness
• allow you to communicate with your health care providers directly (email, telemedicine)
• find and share research thereby promoting your health literacy i.e learning and teaching for every one involved
• help you find virtual and real communities that provide support for your conditions and diseases as well as social interaction
• search and shop for insurance and other medical aid, supplies, etc.

Use the Internet to help you stay in touch with your health and keep it in your hands. Best health!
by J.L. Richardson, M.D., family medicine physician and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.


*study from Dept. of Family Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, 2006

Patient Advocate Vital Signs

The “Vital Signs” of patient advocacy are important. We look for these in all our health care providers.

• TRUST
• CARING
• COMMUNICATION
• COMPASSION
• EDUCATION
• INFORMATION
• KNOWLEDGE

A patient advocate is someone who cares for and helps monitor patient's medical care. You should be your own patient advocate as well as an advocate for loved ones, friends. Doctors should act as their patients’ advocates. This seals the patient-doctor bond and assures them that they will get everything they need in a timely manner.

My health care providers are trusting communicators with caring compassion that provide education, information, and knowledge.

J.L. Richardson, MD is a family practice doctor, patient, patient advocate and the author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

http://mypatienthandbook.com