
Americans struggling with diseases as they live too far from in-home care providers
STATES CHRONICLE – According to the latest news, most older Americans who are struggling with chronic illnesses live too far from in-home medical care providers. That is the reason why they can’t get the help they need while staying in their own homes. The study shows that more than half of Americans live more than 30 miles away from a home-based medical care provider. These services developed especially in the urban areas, but there are so many people in the rural areas who need help as they are getting older and sicker.
Home-based medical care or in-home care, as it is called, was created especially for the ill older adults who suffer from a chronic disease. The medical needs of a patient are managed by doctors, nurses, physicians and sometimes even social workers. According to Dr. Eric De Jonge, director of geriatrics at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, in-home care is more than making house calls. If the patient you are taking care of goes to the hospital, you are responsible for him/here there as well.
The situation does not seem to improve as the population is aging and obesity is still a huge issue for Americans. There will be more and more people who will need help, so some changes must be done. Firstly, the authorities should find ways to attract doctors and nurses to come into this field. There must be also more providers of in-home care, not only in the urban areas.
Even though there are some issues, more than 1.7 million home visits were made each year of the study. Some people wonder why we should take care of the older people. Well, first of all, parents raised us and there will be a time when they will need help in return. Where would have we been without our parents supporting us no matter what? Moreover, it is important to set good examples for our children. Children will see the way we are treating the older and they will probably do the same when the time comes.
In-home care is a new solution for those people who are struggling with chronic diseases. We will see if there will be some changes made regarding this matter. What do you think? Would it be better for them to stay home rather than in a hospital?
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