As home health care services become more popular in the U.S., a people-centered focus has become a critical component of high-quality care. As a result, many home health care agencies have made this approach the foundation of the services they offer.
An increase in the aging population of the U.S., along with an increased incidence of chronic disease are two factors that are driving an increased need for home health care services. Home care services are less expensive and more convenient than hospital or skilled nursing facility care, yet are equally effective.
Understating people-centered care – and why it is important for anyone who needs in-home care – is the first step in finding the best home health care provider for your needs.
What Is People-Centered Health Care?
People-centered health care, also known as person-centered or patient-centered care, believes that the recipient’s viewpoint, input, and active participation in care services delivery is invaluable. This care model focuses on the emotional needs and care preferences of the recipient in a way that is consistent with their lifestyle. This approach places a strong emphasis on relationships, rather than tasks, as the foundation of care.
People-centered care providers value the preferences of the recipient and work to build a collaborative, trusting relationship. Recipients not only receive the information they need and deserve regarding their status and prognosis, but caregivers work to provide information and resources that increase the recipient’s health literacy.
Ultimately, caregivers and care recipients establish common goals and work together toward those objectives.
Why Is People-Centered Home Health Care Important?
Including your loved one and your family as part of the care team is critical for a number of reasons.
First, this approach ensures that your loved one gets the home health care service they need, when they need them. People-centered care helps ensure that the client has the highest possible level of physical and emotional comfort. This approach places a high value on the client’s and family’s values, traditions, beliefs, and cultural preferences.
People-centered home health care services incorporate the client’s family and friends, taking their needs into account as well as the needs of the client. Caregivers provide assurance and emotional support for the entire care team, helping to keep fear and stress as low as possible.
When care recipients experience compassion and feel that their wishes are being respected, they are more satisfied and experience an improved overall sense of physical and emotional well-being.
How to Find the Best Home Health Care Services for Your Needs
If your loved one needs home care, look for a care provider that uses a people-centered focus.
In Rockville, Comfort Home Care uses a people-centered approach for all of our home health care services. We put our clients and their families at the forefront of all care-related decisions. We take the time to get to know our clients and their families, including the client’s likes and dislikes, goals, concerns and even their hobbies.
All of our home health care aides – including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) – are as caring and compassionate as they are experienced and knowledgeable.
Contact us today to learn more about our home health care services in Rockville and the surrounding areas of Maryland and Washington D.C.
