The benefits of home health care for patients post-surgery are numerous. Some of these include reduced healthcare costs, faster recovery, and readmission to the hospital. Here are a few of the essential benefits of home health care for patients post-surgery. Hopefully, this information will help you decide whether home health care services are right for you.

Reduces healthcare costs

New research suggests hospital discharge care after surgery can significantly reduce medical bills. In addition, CMS has a new program in place, Medicare Advantage, which provides patients with high-quality care in the privacy of their homes. In a study published June 17 in NEJM Catalyst, the researchers estimate that the program will save the nation hundreds of millions of dollars a year. If the program is adopted, patients could expect to pay as little as half the cost.

Improves recovery

Many people choose to receive home health care following major surgery. Using trained professionals to provide individualized assistance in their homes, patients can recover in the comfort of their own homes. Home health care can also save money on post-acute rehabilitation. It is also an excellent alternative to a hospital stay. It can offer many benefits, including monitoring and telemedicine capabilities. Many people who undergo surgery find that home health care is more effective than a hospital stay.

After a procedure, a patient should ask their physician for instructions and specific nutritional requirements. The physician will also explain the rehabilitation system if one exists. This can be a beneficial resource. Having a care coordinator arrange a physical therapist visit is also helpful. The care coordinator should also order the necessary equipment, such as portable commodes, crutches, and braces. Patients should also receive regular phone calls from health care providers. In addition, home health care providers often send patient education materials, which can be digital or printed.

Reduces readmission to the hospital

A recent study suggests hospitals can reduce readmissions by analyzing health data. Hospitals can improve patient care by using these data to develop strategies to minimize the risk of readmission. These strategies focus on providing tailored education for patients before they leave the hospital. Despite these efforts, readmission rates continue to increase despite these strategies. Though some readmissions are necessary, others aren’t. Regardless of the cause, readmissions raise patient safety risks and hospital-acquired infections.

Effective interventions should be tested rigorously to determine which ones can help reduce readmission rates and improve patient experiences. The Office of Academic Affiliations supports this research, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Dr. Theobald and her colleagues conducted the study at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and used this research to develop new hospital tools. The findings are encouraging and highlight the importance of research.

Prevents pressure ulcers

A good plan will ensure continuity of care for the patient and document the care that has been given. It should be in the form of a legal document that guides the treatment, keeps the patient safe, and educates family members before discharge. A care plan is also a living document and should be revised when the patient’s condition changes or if the care they are receiving needs to be adjusted.

The first step to preventing pressure ulcers is to identify the body’s vulnerable areas and provide relief to them. Changing positions frequently and turning are two of the most critical steps. If a patient cannot do these things, the pressure on the affected area will likely worsen and become more serious. Therefore, the best way to prevent pressure ulcers is to ensure that the patient often turns, which can help relieve pressure on the affected area.

Monitors patient’s vital signs.

Patients continuously monitor their vital signs during the first week after major surgery; patients constantly monitor their vital signs with a wearable patch sensor. This monitoring consists of frequent observations by a nurse. In contrast, intermittent monitoring involves taking the patient’s vital signs once every four hours. The monitoring frequency and duration depend on the type of surgery and hospital protocol used. For example, in a recent study, the average data loss of postoperative vital signs measurements was 25%, but the gap duration varied across patients.

After the first week, the surgeons shared with their colleagues the trends in their patient’s vital signs over the previous seven days. The results showed that most patients did not miss vital sign data on the mobile phone or the system. However, one patient did mention that it would be reassuring to be able to see their vital signs at any time. This study also showed the potential of automated remote monitoring of a patient’s vital signs after surgery.

Provides immediate attention after surgery

There are many advantages of home health care services for those who are recovering from surgery. Many of these services include nursing care, therapy, and companionship in the comfort of one’s home. The concept of home health care traces its roots back to the early twentieth century when the need for immediate care in remote locations became apparent. Home health care services today serve millions of patients annually, meeting various health needs. In evaluating their services, home health agencies consider the patient’s health status, surgical risks, and recovery time.

Patients may need assistance with daily tasks such as getting to the bathroom, preparing meals, and cleaning up. A caregiver can also help the patient stay on top of medication. Post-surgical instructions can be challenging to follow, and someone guiding them through them can keep them on track. With proper care, the recovery process will go more smoothly. Additionally, the caregivers can ensure that the patient follows all instructions, including taking prescribed medications.