Post about "Health Care"

How to Evaluate the Best Type of Home Health Care Agency to Meet Your Needs

The words “home health care” and “home health care agency” mean different things to different people.With hospitals discharging patients to their homes sooner and sicker, families are not prepared and are overwhelmed. Many families do not want their loved one to go to a nursing home or skilled unit. Many families are never even given the option for home health care. Others think that when their family member is discharged form the hospital to home that there will be someone there 24 hours 7 days a week, for as long as the care is needed.The home health care agency explainedThere are two types of home health care agencies. The first addresses the health and medical care of the aging adult. Care is provided by home health care agencies, and can include the home health care aide, RN’s (registered nurse) and physical therapy. State and federal laws regulate these agencies. They are often Medicare and Medicaid certified. Many private insurances and HMO’s pay for these services as well. This means the agencies can get paid by these programs for providing home health services These services require a doctor’s order.The services provided will be intermittent such as an RN coming in to do a dressing change or monitor vital signs. A home health care aide may come in a few times a week to assist with bathing and dressing. You must be housebound and only able to leave the house to go to the doctors or attend church to be eligible for these services.The other type of home health care agency offers help with household duties and non-medical personal care. This could include preparing meals, bathing, dressing or moving around the house. Depending on the state, these agencies may or may not be licensed. This type of home health care allows a person with special needs to stay in their home. It is for individual’s who are getting older, are chronically ill, recovering from surgery or disabled. The best place to receive ongoing care may be in the comfort of your own home.Studies show that our aging society not only wants to live independently as long as possible, but that they want to do it in their own home. Many have their own lives, live close to family and friends and have pets to keep them company and social activities to keep them busy. Mentally and emotionally, being at home is comfortable and often promotes wellness and healing.Some feel that quality care at home can be expensive and is only for the wealthyThere are actually many ways for aging adults to receive qualify home health care. There are new programs such as reverse mortgages, VA benefits and long term care insurance. Many states now have state and local programs for the low income seniors that qualify for Medicaid to have waiver programs. These programs provide care at home in order to avoid an admission to a nursing home. There is a growing number of home health care agencies out there that provide for everything from companionship, to avoid loneliness to errand running and cooking and 24 hour live in services.For medical and health care needs, there are home health care agencies that provide care when there is a change in the medical condition of the aging adult. The care required, must be deemed medically necessary by a physician.For those individuals that want to age at home, having a good plan for the future in place is important. This may allow the aging adult to enjoy the comforts of home for as long as possible. You may no longer need to stay in a nursing home to receive good care.If you are unsure if aging in place is an option for you or a loved one you may consider consulting with a care manager or eldercare consultant. A care manager can usually put together a plan that fits within a family budget. Care at home can be far less expensive than a move to a nursing home.

Health Care Administration Career Courses Online

The health care industry is filled with doctors, nurses, and technicians that need to be able to work in a smoothly ran office. Health care administrators are generally hired to focus on the decision making side of a medical facility. Online colleges offer an abundant amount of courses within their degree programs to prepare students for their role as a leader.The overall duties of an administrator are to oversee, plan, and manage the distribution of health services by medical professionals. Students interested in exploring an online degree will find that courses teach how to maintain the operation of multiple areas within a facility. Work may consist of directly working with employees, finance practices, database procedures, and ethical responsibilities. Students learn how to complete these tasks and understand the medical field through courses on a variety of subjects. Online training programs may incorporate courses that include:*The Health Care SystemStudents can expect to study the delivery system of health care. Online course elements include the team, group practice, state direct care, long-term care, and much more. The coordinating and health planning of a facility and its employees prepares students to understand their role as an administrator. Trends, issue, and solutions are all considered in a course like this.*Health Care OrganizationThe theories relating to the environment, goal, structure, and procedure of a facility are discussed in regards to organization from a managerial standpoint. Students learn to prepare for organizational changes by studying the factors that may contribute to a shift in health care delivery. The goal of this kind of course is to prepare students to understand how to respond in organizational situations.*Financial ManagementThe accounting and finance of a health care facility is discussed, which helps students understand how to make managerial decisions. The management of cash analysis, risk, investment, and debt is looked at to help students understand an administrator’s role in the accounting side of the career.*Global Health CareOnline programs that include this type of course analyze the governmental, social, political, and economic factors that affect the system. The structure of globalization of health care is determined as students research recent trends in the field. Comparative data is assessed along with the feasibility of monitoring global health and delivery.Depending on the focus of schooling students may also work through courses on health law, computer operation, medical terminology, and more. Professionals typically enter the field with a bachelor’s degree and continue education online at the master’s degree level to gain upper level management positions. Associate to doctorate degree programs are available in many areas that include health management, health services administration, and hospital unit coordinator.Many accredited online programs can be started at the time of enrollment allowing students to enter education today. Schools and colleges that carry full accreditation can provide proof that they offer a quality education. The Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org ) is just one of a number of accrediting agencies approved to fully accredit learning programs. Begin training to become an administrator of the health care field by learning about the different educational options available.DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.Copyright 2010 – All rights reserved by PETAP.org.