A BRIEF OVERVIEW INTO THE ROLE OF

HOMECARE

By Jeff Nevil

INTRODUCTION

Homecare can play an integral role in a patients life, although what are the different types of homecare available and in what way can it help aid recovery or management of conditions?

As homecare is a service within healthcare, I have reviewed and chosen what I think to be the key elements both in terms of why one might opt for homecare and the key benefit.

TYPES OF HOMECAREThere is a varying degree in the levels of homecare that is available to those who are in need of it. Ranging from services in terms of personal care that may include assistance with washing and dressing, housekeeping activities, food preparation, nursing and healthcare and even companionship.

Although why might one chose to opt or be opted with homecare?

Source: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/pages/home-care.aspx

Patients would prefer to be in their homes

WHY HOMECARE?Homecare can allow patients to be able to be cared for in the comfort of their own home. For older generations this can be of more importance as it helps to keep them within their own set routines and hopefully aid recovery or at the very least make it more manageable.

Certainly for those with medical conditions that are more severe, clinical homecare can help alleviate the pressures on the NHS system. However how does clinical homecare provide a benefit for all?

Clinical Homecare is a Win Win

http://www.nhsconfed.org/blog/2015/10/where-would-you-rather-be-home-or-hospital

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/com_salud/13866052723/in/photolist

“Clinical home care is a win-win for patients and the NHS” – Christine Outram

Source: http://www.nhsconfed.org/blog/2015/10/where-would-you-rather-be-home-or-hospital

CLINICAL HOMECAREIn an article published on NHS Confed late last year, Christine Outram made the statement that clinical homecare can be seen as a win-win for both patients and the NHS.

Certainly hers is a compelling statement, backed by several studies and white papers that highlight the ever growing importance and significance of the need for clinical homecare. With the increasing development of clinical homecare, the benefits can vary from relieving the challenges faced within the NHS to deliver quality care of the highest standard, through to ensuring patients are taking medication correctly.

Taking medicine correctly is vital to

management of symptom's and

recovery

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gatiuss/5223834995/

MEDICICAL ADHERENCEEnsuring that patients are taking their medication correctly is also known as ‘adherence’. This is of the upmost importance for those who require medication to either aid their recovery or, for those with life long medical conditions, management of their symptoms.

Clinical homecare providers are more often than not, a team of qualified nurses and as such can offer patient support programs in patients own homes that assist with the correct administration of medication. For more complex cases, a patients clinical homecare team can administer medication dependent on requirements. Indeed, as identified by the Pharmaceutical Journal: ”Poor adherence to medicines has been identified as a significant contributing factor to a patient’s sub-optimal use of medicines and wastage”.

Source: http://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/research/research-article/pharmacy-at-home-service-for-frail-older-patients-demonstrates-medicines-risk-reduction-and-admission-avoidance/20201303.article

At the end of the day it is about improving

the quality of life

IN CONCLUSION

Homecare, based on the short research I have done is in my opinion, focused primarily on improving the quality of life of the patient. While there can be benefits for both NHS providers and patients, it is the patients who are in need that get the most out of homecare. Particularly it is the older generation and those who require specialist help through clinical homecare, that can see the rewarding nature of being able to recover and manage their symptoms in the comfort of their own home.

However with an ever ageing population, the demands on homecare services can be seen as report by UNISON earlier in the year. It is important that we find a balance to ensure patient safety.