When your family members need medical care, your first priority is to give them the best healthcare support and comfort.
But nowadays, many Indian families choose home health care services. So, you may be confused about whether to choose home care vs. hospital care. It can be different depending on overall health as well as the recovery program of your loved one.
In this article, we help you choose an option that fits your loved one’s condition, so you can make the right decision for their health.
What Are Home Health Care Services?
Home health care services mean you can receive medical and supportive care at your home from a professional medical person.
Home health care services may include:
- Nursing care at your home
- After surgery, you may receive care for better recovery
- It may provide physiotherapy to regain your strength and flexibility after surgery
- Care for older patients who require help with their normal daily activities
- Rental medical equipment such as a hospital bed, ICU set up at home, or vital monitor machine
Read Also: When Does Your Loved One Need 24-Hour Nursing Care at Home?
Home Care vs Hospital Care: Key Differences
The following table highlights the differences between home care and hospital care:
| Factor | Home Healthcare Service | Hospital Service |
| Environment | Feel comfortable in a homely environment | Have to be in a hospital environment |
| Medical supervision | It depends on the plan and availability of the staff for medical care | Medical team is available in hospitals |
| Equipment | Need for medical equipment according to the condition of the patient | Advanced and specialized medical equipment is available in hospital |
| Infection | There is no chance of developing an infection | Some chance of developing infections |
| Family interaction | Family members are able to interact with the patients | Interaction is according to the hospital policy |
| Most suitable for | For those whose condition is stable or require long-term care | Those requiring intensive care |
Benefits of Home Health Care
Benefits of home health care are as follows:
- Comfort: Your family members can receive medical care at home with familiar surroundings, so they may feel relaxed and comfortable.
- Individualised treatment: The medical care may be based on the condition of the patient.
- Postoperative recovery: If any family member has an operation, then home nursing is necessary for wound care and other medical care.
- Help for senior citizens: If the patient is old, then the caregiver may help the patient in performing daily tasks.
- Reduced visits to the hospital: Visits to the hospital may be reduced, which may save travel costs.
Home Health Care Cost vs Hospital Cost
The cost of home care and hospital care depends on many factors. But generally, home care is cheaper compared to hospital care when your family members need long-term care.
To understand better, here we give an approximate cost comparison of home care vs. hospital care:
| Type of care | Home Health Care | Hospital Care |
| Nursing care (per day) | ₹1,300-₹3,500 | Usually included in room or ICU charges |
| Room charges (per day) | No room charge | ₹1,500-₹15,000+ |
| ICU care (per day) | ₹2,500-₹15,000+ | ₹5,400-₹35,000+ |
| Medical equipment | Rental or purchase costs extra | May be included or charged separately |
| Doctor visits | Usually charged separately | Depends on hospital billing |
Read Also: How Is an ICU Bed Different From Other Hospital Beds
Who Is Home Care Best For?
Home care is best for patients who may require continuous health care without being admitted to a hospital.
Your doctor may suggest home care in the following situations:
- If your family members are suffering from a chronic condition. Home nursing care helps with continuous monitoring of health conditions.
- If your family members require long-term rest. Caregivers assist them in daily movement, which can prevent complications of pressure sores.
- If patients undergo any knee replacement or other surgery. Professional physiotherapy helps them regain their strength and flexibility.
- If patients have any serious long-term medical conditions such as stroke or brain injury. ICU set-up at home may be a good choice compared with a hospital stay, which reduces cost and helps patients recover faster.
Read Also: Home Care After Knee Replacement Surgery: Tips for Recovery
How to Decide: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Some of the questions you need to ask your physician before selecting home health care are as follows:
- Is the patient’s situation stable enough to be on home health care?
- What kind of home health care does the patient require?
- Is any special equipment required?
- How will the coordination be with the health care facility?
- What are the warning signs that patients should be careful about?
- Do I need to make any modifications at home?
Home Nursing Services: How to Get Started
Below are a few easy tips that you need to follow before starting the home nursing services:
- First of all, consult your doctor regarding any special medical needs required by your loved one.
- Identify the well-known health care organisations nearby you that have trained nurses or caregivers
- Ensure that the nurse is experienced
- Have your medical equipment brought to your place, such as hospital beds or oxygen machines, etc.
- Talk about service charges and visiting hours of the nurse
When Hospital Care Is the Better Choice
In the following situations, you may consider hospital care rather than home care:
- If your loved one needs intensive medicare care such as ventilation, dialysis or hemodynamic monitoring
- If the patient experiences sudden unconsciousness, severe pain and changes in vitals
- If the patient has undergone any complex surgical procedure that can require frequent lab tests or diagnostic imaging
- Has a severe infection that can rapidly spread, so in this condition isolation or intravenous therapy is required
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Care for Your Family
We understand choosing between home care and hospital care is difficult. But when you understand your loved one’s condition, you make the right decision. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor to understand your options and choose the right care for your family.
If you are looking for home health care providers in Kolkata, Icosano Home Health Care Pvt Ltd is a good option for your loved one’s recovery and comfort.
FAQs
1. Why is home health care better than being hospitalized?
Home health care is preferable compared to hospital care as it provides you with individualised services and family support. On the other hand, hospital care is preferable in emergencies or cases of need for intensive care.
2. How much does home health care cost?
The cost of home health care depends on various factors, including the patient’s needs, number of hours of nursing care, your location, medical equipment, and duration of home care.
3. Who needs home health care services?
Home health care is needed for the elderly, patients after surgery, patients with chronic conditions and patients who need rehabilitation.
4. Can hospital-level care be given at home?
Hospital-level care is provided at home for some patients. However, it requires medical equipment and professional nurses, but it cannot substitute for hospital emergency care services.
