November is Home Care and Hospice Care Month, and we want to share a few benefits of receiving care at home versus a nursing care facility.

1. Better, personalized care
   When you receive home care, whether home health or hospice care, you are receiving top care within the comfort of your home. Individuals receiving home care will receive personalized care that is tailored to their needs. Instead of being added to a facility’s schedule, a home care schedule is centered around you or your loved one’s specific needs.
   
   
2. Familiar territory
   There is truly no place like home. That is why home care exists. When you or a loved one receives home care, you can stay within the comforts of your home and receive the care you need.
   
   In hospice care situations, this allows loved ones to transition in a space that is familiar and where they will be the most comfortable.
   
   
3. Family-Centered Care
   The goal of a home care agency is to keep the family informed of health needs through various educational resources. By receiving care in the home, families can take a more active role in the care of their loved one.
   
   Having the family involved also builds a level of trust that can’t always be guaranteed within a facility. In a home care setting family members will have easier access to their loved one to ensure that all of his or her needs are being met.
   
   
4. Relief for Family Caregivers
   Home health care is not just for the individual receiving care. It is also for those helping the individual daily. Home health care allows family members and loved ones the opportunity to care for themselves as well—eliminating the risk of burnout.
   
   Most agencies will also provide resources and materials for family members so they can properly care for their loved one.
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5. Cost-Effective
   Home care can be more affordable than facility costs. Since rates are charged by the hour, there is more flexibility when it comes to out-of-pocket costs. Most home care costs are also typically covered by Medicare.
   
   The individualized care plans that are created by home care agencies can also help prevent extra trips to the hospital or emergency room, saving you and your family the possibility of unexpected costs and lofty hospital bills.
   
   
6. Faster Recovery
   When it comes to home health care, personalized plans created by trained professionals can help lead to faster recovery times. Because the plan is specific to the needs of you or your loved one, nurses and physicians will be able to assess and determine what strategies are working and which direction to tailor your care plan.
   
   By being at home, individuals receiving home care also avoid potential exposure to infections and other germs that can be picked up in a facility.
   
   
7. Peace of Mind
   Individuals receiving home care can rest assured that they are not alone. They can take comfort in the fact that someone is there to care for them and understands what it is that they need. Families can have peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is safe and being properly cared for.
   
   
8. More Independence
   The loss of independence can be tough, especially for seniors. Individuals can become more stressed and agitated if moved into a facility. This results in a lack of rest and ultimately a slower healing process.
   
   As the body heals, it is important for it to receive the proper amounts of rest. When presented with the opportunity to stay home, many individuals can relax and focus on getting better.
   
   
9. Companionship
   Whether it’s home health or hospice, there is always room for companionship. Receiving home care means that you or your loved ones are more easily accessible. No need to visit the front desk and check in. Instead, individuals receiving care can create their own visiting hours and spend quality time with family and friends, while also ensuring proper time for rest.
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The Westminster Difference

With Westminster at Home, patients receive high-quality care from an established and highly rated Hospice and Home Health Care provider, all within the comfort of their homes. As a service directly connected to Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg, we provide quality, knowledgeable care to all who need home care services within the Greater Lynchburg area.

Our team of nurses, aides, therapists, a social worker, chaplain and volunteers are there to help you and your family develop a personal care plan.

Learn more about our quality home health and hospice care services, and remember, you always have a choice when it comes to your home care provider.