Home is your sanctuary, and there is a plethora of advantages to staying there when you need support, both to individuals and society. Living at home fosters a sense of independence, a resilience, and control that’s good for mental, physical and social well-being. That’s good for the individual, and it’s good for society at large; when we stay at home, less room is taken up in long-term care facilities and hospitals, and community resources can be leveraged in order to make your life easier. The independence that’s fostered gives good results, too, as many live happier and healthier lives when surrounded by friends and family while receiving customized care.
Your home care team will be comprised of a wide variety of individuals, all with a key role in supporting you while you continue to live at home. Certainly, there will be doctors; depending on your mobility, you may leave your home to see them, and they may make home visits to see you. The types of doctor you’ll have depends entirely on the type of care you need, but you can be sure that they will help coordinate the services you’ll receive so as to ensure the best care.
Other medical professionals will visit as well, each with their own specialty, depending again on your needs. You may see a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist to help improve your mobility and regain independence; speech-language pathologists may join the roster to help you communicate, and respiratory therapists can stop in to check breathing apparati and help you catch your breath.
Nurses of all stripes will be with you every step of the way; rapid response nurses will visit after you’ve left the hospital, within 24 hours, to monitor you, discuss your treatment, and ensure that everything is going smoothly. Should you have a life-limiting illness, palliative care nurses will be there to discuss options for support and comfort. There are nurses for mental health and addiction as well; should you be experiencing mental illness, or withdrawal from opiate or other addictions, these nurses can help you develop the coping mechanisms necessary to live a happier life.
Your community is an essential part of your home care team as well. Your primary caregiver is likely a family member; a spouse or child who is there to support you living at home. Other friends and family will stop in to visit and help around the house, and this type of support is indescribably important; loneliness makes illness worse, so social interaction is essential to well-being. Other members of the community, including religious leaders, community activists, and other supports will be a part of the team as well.
Your home care team should also include highly specialized home care professionals who can assist with chores, groceries, activities of daily living and whatever else you need. A good home care service will be customized to your needs, so they can be present a few hours a day to 24/7. Your team will be created to suit your exact needs, so know that you’re in good hands.
