Deciding between at-home care and hospital care for a loved one with a significant illness or chronic condition can be a pivotal choice for families. Both settings offer unique advantages and cater to different needs. Here’s a detailed look at the differences to help you make an informed decision.
Hospital care: Intensive and immediate
Hospital care is often the go-to choice for acute medical situations requiring immediate and intensive treatment. Hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and staffed 24/7 by specialized medical professionals. This environment is ideal for surgeries, emergency treatments, and cases requiring constant monitoring and rapid response.
In a hospital, patients have access to a wide range of diagnostic tools and treatments, from MRI scans to complex surgeries. The structured and regulated environment ensures that patients receive continuous care, which can be crucial for severe health issues. However, hospitals can be stressful and disorienting for patients, particularly the elderly, due to the unfamiliar surroundings and rigid schedules.
At-home care: Comfort and convenience
In contrast, at-home care creates a more personalized and comfortable experience. This type of care is especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions or those needing post-hospitalization care. At-home care allows patients to stay in a familiar environment, which can significantly enhance their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Optum Acute Care At Home exemplifies the advantages of at-home care. This program provides hospital-level care conveniently in your home, and it begins with easy enrollment through local facilities, clinics, or emergency departments. All the necessary equipment and supplies related to treatment and recovery are delivered and set up at the patient’s home, including a computer tablet for video visits, a phone that links directly to your care team, a medical alert bracelet, vital sign monitors, and a power backup.
Daily virtual and in-home interactions with healthcare providers ensure continuous monitoring and personalized care. A 24/7 care team remotely oversees vital signs and adjusts care plans as needed. This setup not only provides medical treatments, such as IV infusions, laboratory services, and medication management, but it also offers support services like meal delivery, social work, and wound care.
Comparing care levels
While both settings provide high-level care, the delivery methods differ significantly. Hospital care is centralized, with all resources available on-site. Patients in hospitals benefit from immediate access to a wide array of specialists and advanced medical equipment. At-home care, however, decentralizes these services, bringing them directly to the patient. This approach reduces the need for hospital readmissions, as patients can recover in a less stressful environment. It also offers a tailored care plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
The benefits of at-home care
If you had the option, why wouldn’t you choose hospital-level care in your home? Opting for at-home care can lead to fewer falls and health complications, thanks to the familiar and controlled home environment. Additionally, patients often experience higher satisfaction levels and improved mental health when receiving care at home. This is particularly beneficial for end-of-life care, allowing patients to spend their final days in the comfort of their home, surrounded by loved ones.
Both hospital care and at-home care have their merits, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and conditions of the patient. Hospitals offer comprehensive and immediate care for acute conditions, but programs like Optum Acute Care At Home are meant to deliver hospital-caliber alternatives at home, offering families a viable and often preferable way to recover from injury or illness.
Do you think Optum Acute Care At Home is right for you? Explore your family’s options by visiting Optum Care Washington online.
Optum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. The company provides free services to help you communicate, such as letters in other languages or large print. You can also ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 1-425-382-4790, TTY 711, or 1-206-329-1777, TTY 711. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 1-425-382-4790, TTY 711, o 1-206-329-1777, TTY 711.
