In recent years, a noticeable paradigm shift has been observed in the healthcare landscape, with an increasing number of individuals opting for at-home healthcare services. This shift is reflected in the escalating growth of the home healthcare market in India, projected to reach $21.3 billion by 2027. Several factors are propelling this surge, including the rising preference for personalized and convenient care, a heightened focus on preventive healthcare measures, the increasing elderly population, and notable advancements in remote monitoring and telemedicine technologies. Ultimately, the demand boils down to individuals seeking to bring ‘health closer to home’.
To understand this concept, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Vivek Desai, Founder and Managing Director, HOSMAC.
What Is At-home Healthcare?
According to Dr Desai, home health care provides assistance to individuals discharged from a hospital or healthcare facility who are unable to safely commute to medical appointments. It is also commonly prescribed for rehabilitation after falls, injuries, or chronic health conditions.
The different types of at-home healthcare include:
Doctor Care: The Doctor visits the patient at home for diagnosis, treatment, and oversight of ongoing healthcare needs
Nursing Care: Registered nurses develop personalized care plans, and administer treatments such as wound dressing and medication based on the patient’s needs
Therapy Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapists assist in rehabilitation to improve functional abilities and communication skills of the individual
Home Health Aides: Trained aides provide personal care assistance and specialized support to the patient under nurse supervision
Homemaker Assistance: Homemakers ensure tasks like meal preparation and grocery shopping are taken care of during medical care periods
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Need and Benefits of At-home Healthcare
The demand for at-home healthcare services has surged due to several critical factors. “One significant factor is the strain faced by private and government hospitals in meeting the increasing demand for round-the-clock healthcare. Accessibility also remains a big hurdle for a considerable portion of the Indian population, primarily due to financial constraints,” Dr Desai said. For many individuals and families, the cost of hospital visits, along with associated expenses such as transportation and accommodation, are unaffordable.
Consequently, the option of at-home healthcare services becomes increasingly appealing since it provides comfort, convenience, and personalised, affordable care at the comfort of one’s home. Additionally, it helps reduce the cost of care by shifting out the patient faster from the hospital, minimizing expenses associated with prolonged hospital stays and ancillary services.
Moreover, demographic shifts, such as the younger generations moving abroad, weaken traditional support networks, necessitating innovative solutions such as home healthcare to address the healthcare needs of the elderly who earlier depended on their family members for their care.
Also read: Budget 2024: Healthcare Sector Urges Government To Boost Public Health Spending
Beyond the elderly, at-home healthcare also fills healthcare gaps for vulnerable populations, including individuals living alone and those with disabilities. “By delivering medical assistance directly at home, it not only ensures convenience but also maintains independence and dignity while effectively reducing infection exposure,” Dr Desai explained.
At home healthcare encompasses an approach that not only provides a convenient alternative to hospital care but also contributes to reducing healthcare disparities across communities, making it a cost-effective option benefiting patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems alike.
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