The home healthcare industry is thriving and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, should see a 69 percent growth by 2020. These numbers seem especially encouraging compared to the 14 percent average growth rate expected in most fields.
The growth is explained by an increase in need, affordability, aging in place and convenience.
Seventy percent of home health care patients are 65 and older. That means millions of people as the average life span has increased from 75 to 79 years old. With so many people in need, the industry will grow to accommodate the demand.
As for affordability, people are crunching numbers and finding the home health route more feasible than nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It’s more convenient for most patients, too. The option for people to age in place and learn to adjust in their own environment is hugely beneficial. Home healthcare allows patients to stay in their homes, where they are most comfortable, and regain, or maintain as much independence as possible. The option to stay home for healthcare can relieve patients of hospital stays, doctor appointments and the hassle of arranging transportation for such events.
Skilled care to help a patient get healthy or maintain their health in their own home often follows a doctor’s visit or a hospital stay. Services required can include
• Highly-trained nursing
• Basic needs assistance (bathing and dressing)
• A variety of therapies: physical, speech, occupational
• Pain and prescription management
• Wound care
• Rehabilitation and recovery from a health problem, surgery or disease
• Patient and caregiver education
• Intravenous or nutrition therapy
• Injections
• Monitoring patient health and needs
• Pediatric care, which may serve mobility or developmental issues
The types of positions available in home healthcare are plentiful, but can be simplified into three categories.
Home Healthcare Aide or Caregiver
Not all home healthcare jobs require a degree. Home healthcare aides may work for an agency or directly for a patient’s family. They are often trained on the job by family of the patient, nurses or other medical professionals. Most health aides do have CPR and basic medical training, and some have training as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA). A national certification is offered by the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC)), but is not typically required for employment.
The duties of a health aide can be physically demanding due to lifting and moving patients, bathing patients and cleaning their homes. Aides may also be required to travel with the patient to assist with errands and doctor appointments. Additionally, home health aides may help with monitoring vital signs, assist with medications and other basic medical tasks. Some aides may work with multiple patients for a few hours per day or week, while others work a full week with one patient. Weekends and evenings may be necessary.
This position is ideal for individuals who have a desire to help others and enjoy working in a home environment.
Home Healthcare Nurse
At the registered nurse (RN) level, home health nurses work to assess the home environment and determine the needs of patients. While a previous management position is not usually necessary, home health nurses are required to be self-directed and able to manage their time efficiently. Strong communications skills are also a must as home nurses are often asked to prepare clinical notes for the patient’s physicians. Home nurses should be able to report changes in the patient’s condition, coordinate a health plan with doctors and relay all of this information to the patient’s family.
An RN or LPN is required and home health nurses must pass the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Optional certifications in areas of specialization, such as mental health, palliative care and oncology, may also be required for some patients.
Home healthcare nursing positions are ideal for nurses who want to escape the routine of hospitals and have more flexibility. As with any nursing position, home health nursing jobs are ideal for organized, compassionate people with attention to detail and strong listening abilities.
Home Healthcare Therapist
Many therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, can be provided at home to speed up recovery from illness, injury or surgery. Home-based therapy is appealing to patients as it allows them to develop independence with daily activities in a comfortable setting. At-home therapy also allows families to be closely involved in the rehabilitation process.
Home rehabilitation programs are customized around the needs of each patient and therapists are required to provide evaluations, treatment and education. Common causes for an at-home therapist range from total joint replacements, orthopedic conditions, neurological disorders, post-surgical procedures, stroke rehabilitation, and speech and swallowing difficulties.
Just as in a therapy clinic, home healthcare therapists are required to have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and must pass the national board exam for their specialization. Master’s and doctoral degrees are not required for home therapists, but are often sought by individuals who plan to run their own practice.
At-home therapy positions are ideal for people who prefer a multifaceted, independent, patient-facing schedule.
