The primary need for today’s home health care population is more frequent and convenient monitoring of chronic diseases and conditions. A wide range of health and social services gradually are being delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically ill, or terminally ill people.
Chronically ill infants/children are receiving sophisticated medical treatment in a familiar and secure home environment. Many younger adults who are disabled or recuperating from acute illnesses are choosing home care, whenever possible. Adults and children diagnosed with terminal illnesses also are being cared for at home.
According to a study, the most common home users for healthcare services are seniors, which is also the most rapidly growing segment of the population. Two-thirds of Americans over 62 have at least one chronic disease, and so may need to use home-monitoring devices daily, such as heart rate monitors.
Heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems are the top chronic diseases of this age group. And more and more older people, electing to live independent, non-institutionalized lives, also are receiving home care services as their physical capabilities diminish.