Home Health Care

Home Health Care Stroke May 15, 2025

A stroke can change life in an instant, not just for the person affected but for their entire family. The path to recovery can feel overwhelming, but healing doesn’t have to happen in a hospital or rehab facility. With the right care team of skilled home health professionals, individuals who have experienced a stroke can begin rebuilding strength, speech, mobility, and independence all in the comfort of their own home. In this blog, we’ll explore how home health care supports stroke recovery through personalized therapy, nursing care, and emotional support, delivering expert care right where you are.

What is Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke treatment and rehabilitation are critical parts of recovery that provide different types of therapies designed to help patients relearn skills after a stroke. Because symptoms can vary based on the parts of the brain affected by the stroke, rehabilitation needs to be customized to meet each person’s unique challenges and goals. Residential Home Health offers personalized care plans, empowering patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life. This support can include:

Occupational therapy: Focusing on improving daily activities, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing
Speech therapy: Helping patients improve speech, swallowing, and language
Physical therapy: Using exercise to improve flexibility, range of motion, leg and arm strength, coordination, and balance
Nurses: Managing medications and regimens and identifying safety challenges in collaboration with physicians
Social Workers: Providing resources and emotional support to caregivers and families

Vestibular Rehabilitation at Home

Some stroke patients can experience dizziness or imbalance, which can increase their fear of falling. These symptoms may be a sign of a vestibular disorder, a condition that affects the inner ear and balance system. BMC Med states that vestibular rehab can positively improve balance and gait in patients recovering from a stroke. Vestibular rehabilitation with Residential Home Health aims to improve balance, orientation, and reduce dizziness, all while helping patients manage these symptoms safely at home. This program is developed by a Certified Vestibular Specialist and helps minimize symptoms, with the most common vestibular dysfunction being cured in 1 – 2 visits.

Bar graph showing the most common vestibular dysfunction can be cured in 1 - 2 visits

Why Choose Stroke Recovery at Home?

Recovering at home offers several key advantages over facility-based rehabilitation, especially for stroke patients. Being in a familiar, comfortable environment can reduce stress and promote healing, allowing patients to stay close to loved ones and their daily routines. Home health care also provides personalized, one-on-one care tailored to each individual’s goals and pace. There’s no need to arrange transportation or navigate outpatient schedules; care is delivered directly to the home. And because our care team works closely together, patients benefit from support that encourages long-term recovery and independence. Most importantly, home health empowers patients to reclaim independence in the very environment where they want to thrive.

Is Home-Based Stroke Rehab Right for You or Your Loved One?

If you or someone you love is recovering from a stroke, home health care may be a safe and supportive option. It’s especially helpful for individuals who:

Have limited mobility or difficulty leaving the house
Need help with speech, balance, or daily activities
Are experiencing dizziness or fear of falling
Want to recover in a familiar, low-stress environment

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Stroke recovery is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right care team and tools, healing at home is not only possible but often preferred. At Residential Home Health, we’re here to support you with expert care, tailored plans, and a compassionate team.

Contact our care team today to learn more about our home health care services or to schedule an in-home assessment.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care April 15, 2025

Home health care has become an increasingly essential option for individuals seeking personalized care for various conditions. Home health care offers a range of benefits that help patients maintain independence, avoid hospitalizations, and receive specialized care in the comfortable and familiar environment of their own home.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care involves a range of healthcare services that can be provided to patients in the comfort of their own home. Also known as “skilled care”, home health is designed to help patients gain independence and remain safe at home.

Home health care can help with:

Transitioning home from a hospital or nursing facility
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, CHG or COPD
Rehabilitation after joint replacement or other surgery
Adapting to new mobility challenges, focusing on home safety and falling hazards
Caregiver support for individuals with cognitive decline

Home Health Care Services

Home health care services vary based on the unique needs of the patient. Some common services include:

Chronic Disease Management: Home health offers the ability to provide comprehensive care plans for individuals with chronic conditions to manage their symptoms effectively.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation services in the home enable physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to modify exercises and protocols for the environment that the patient lives in.
Mobility Assistance: For individuals who’ve recently experienced a fall or find themselves unsteady on their feet, home health providers can evaluate the patient’s home and make recommendations for eliminating trip hazards.
Symptom Monitoring and Control: Home health nurses assess patient symptoms regularly to ensure steady improvement and reduce complications.
Medication Management: Home visits help ensure that a patient’s medications are taken at the right time and in the right amounts.

Benefits of Home Health Care

Choosing home health care for yourself or a loved one offers a variety of benefits that improve a patient’s well-being and quality of life, including:

Personalized Care: Home health care services are tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient to ensure that they receive the right level of care and support.
Comfort and Familiarity: Administering care in the patient’s home can reduce stress and improve recovery time while also improving their emotional well-being.
Reduced Risk of Hospitalization: Offering the necessary care and treatment at home reduces the patient’s risk of hospital readmission, leading to fewer medical complications.
Independence and Autonomy: Home health care encourages patients to be actively involved in their own care, helping them maintain a sense of independence and dignity.
Cost-Effective: Compared to the average extended hospital stay or the cost of a nursing home, home health care is often a more affordable option, making it a viable option for many families.

Home Health vs Hospital Stay: What’s the Difference?

While both hospital care and home health care provide important medical treatment, they differ in several key ways. Hospitals often have a sterile, impersonal atmosphere, which can feel isolating for patients, while home health care allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar faces and loved ones. Hospitals typically offer intensive, 24/7 care for acute conditions, while home health care focuses on long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and the management of chronic illnesses.

Is Home Health Care Right for You or Your Loved One?

If any of following identifying factors sounds familiar, you or your loved one might benefit from home health:

New diagnosis or recent difficulty with a chronic illness
Trouble completing routine tasks for disease management
New medications, or juggling 3 or more medications
Recent fall or fear of falling
Feeling weaker than before or less able to do daily tasks
Pain that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty leaving your home

If you or a loved one are facing any of these challenges, we recommend completing an online home health assessment to determine if home health care can provide the right support and resources for your needs.

Home Health Care Services with Residential Healthcare Group

Residential Healthcare Group provides comprehensive home health care services across multiple states, including Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our experienced clinicians work with patients, their families, and their physicians to develop customized care plans to address specific challenges and goals. Home health care services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing services, and more, ensuring patients receive the support they need to thrive at home.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice March 24, 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects an estimated 35.5 million adults in the United States, according to National Kidney Foundation. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluids from our blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes. When the kidneys begin to lose their ability to perform these necessary functions, it can lead to kidney disease. In this article, we’ll review the stages of kidney disease, symptoms of each stage, and what you can do to manage and slow progression of CKD.

What is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), commonly referred to as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer efficiently filter blood, ultimately leading to kidney failure over time. CKD typically develops gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection and treatment essential. While diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes, other factors can also contribute to the development of kidney disease.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is generally classified into five stages based on the level of kidney function. As kidney function declines, the stage of kidney disease progresses. Here’s a breakdown of each stage of CKD:

Stage 1: Normal Kidney Function

At stage 1 of kidney disease, the kidneys are still functioning normally or nearly normally. However, there may be mild kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or other markers of kidney dysfunction. Most people in this stage do not experience symptoms, and kidney disease may not yet be apparent.

During stage 1 of kidney disease, it’s important to regularly monitor kidney function with blood tests, adopt healthy lifestyle changes (hydration, balanced diet, exercise) and manage underlying conditions that can lead to further kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Stage 2: Mild Kidney Damage

During stage 2, kidney function is mildly reduced but most individuals still do not show noticeable symptoms. It is still important to monitor kidney function closely, as this stage can progress to become more severe if not managed properly. Continue to monitor kidney function, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and control blood pressure and blood sugar to mitigate further damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Kidney Damage

At this stage, kidney function has declined moderately, and you may start to notice symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination. The kidneys are no longer able to efficiently filter waste, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the blood. During stage 3 of chronic kidney disease, you should consult a nephrologist for personalized care, track your kidney function regularly, continue to treat underlying health conditions, and make dietary changes, including limiting sodium and protein consumption.

Stage 4: Severe Kidney Damage

Kidney function is severely reduced during stage 4 of chronic kidney disease, and the kidneys can no longer perform their job effectively. Symptoms may become more evident, including swelling in the legs or ankles, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be discussed with your healthcare provider during stage 4. You should prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant if necessary, follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and continue monitoring kidney function if diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure

Stage 5, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), indicates that the kidneys can no longer function adequately to meet the body’s needs. At this point, kidney failure is inevitable, and survival depends on dialysis or a kidney transplant. During this stage, the focus shifts to improving quality of life. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to explore options like dialysis or a kidney transplant, as well as consider hospice care to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

How to Prevent and Slow Progression of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be managed especially in the early stages to slow progression. Here are some key strategies to protect your kidneys and minimize the risk of kidney disease:

Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control with medications and lifestyle changes.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regularly manage and monitor your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause significant kidney damage over time, resulting in kidney failure.
Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sodium and processed foods that can strain the kidneys.
Exercise Regularly: Staying active with physical exercise helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health, which can protect kidney function and minimize a risk of kidney failure.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking can worsen kidney disease and increase the risk of other health complications.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the kidneys flush out waste and maintain proper function. If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, consult your doctor about how much water you should be drinking.

Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care offers compassionate support and comfort to individuals in the advanced stages of kidney disease. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families. Residential Hospice provides in-home care for patients with end-stage kidney disease in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Find hospice care services in your area.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care November 14, 2024

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but it also brings seasonal illnesses such as the cold, flu, and COVID-19, causing challenges for maintaining your health and potential hospitalizations. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays and winter season at home.

7 Ways to Reduce Seasonal Illnesses This Winter

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Holiday meals are often filled with rich foods and sugary desserts. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying these treats to keep your energy levels high and immune system strong. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and proteins into your meals. Consider preparing and bringing a healthy dish to your holiday gatherings for everyone to enjoy.
Prioritize Exercise: With many social events and family gatherings, it can be difficult to find time to exercise during the holiday season. However, physical activity is crucial for both your physical and mental health. This can be as simple as walking in your neighborhood. Staying active helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your immune system.
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is vital to reducing the risk of illness during the winter because dehydration can lead to fatigue and a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to winter illnesses. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain your energy and overall health.
Manage Stress Effectively: Although meant to be a joyful time of year, the holiday season can bring added stress as well. From planning meals, buying gifts and balancing social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you prefer reading a book, taking a warm bath, or simply enjoying some quiet time, it’s vital to prioritize self-care and find moments to relax and unwind this season.
Get Adequate Sleep: Amid all the festivities, prioritize quality sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system, mood, and energy levels. Try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off illness and handle the demands of the holiday season.
Wash Your Hands: A simple yet effective way to protect yourself from germs is washing your hands often with soap and water. Cold and flu viruses spread easily through contact with surfaces and people, so keeping your hands clean can reduce your risk of getting sick.
Avoid Contact with People Who Are Sick: Take precautions and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Seasonal illnesses like the flu, cold and COVID-19 spread quickly in social settings, and close contact with individuals who are sick can increase your chances of contracting an illness. Maintain a safe distance from anyone showing symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose.

Don’t let sickness put a damper on your holiday season. Follow these simple tips so you can enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. If you’re already feeling under the weather this season, consider home health care services to avoid hospitalization and recover stress-free in the comfort of your home.

Home Health Care with Residential Healthcare Group

Home Health Care

Home Health Care August 28, 2024

If you or a loved one are recovering from an injury or illness, you are probably considering your care options. Home health care is a valuable alternative to the traditional hospital stay, offering a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the recovery process. In this article, we will explore the key advantages of home health care versus hospitalization.

Benefits of Home Health Care

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

One of the primary benefits of home health care over a traditional hospital stay is the comfort and convenience that it offers. Home health care allows patients to receive medical care in a familiar environment, their own home. Patients have access to their personal belongings, family, and pets. These factors can reduce stress and anxiety, improving their emotional well-being and accelerating recovery.

Personalized Patient Care

Home health care offers a more personalized patient-centered approach compared to traditional hospital settings. With home health care, patients benefit from one-on-one attention from their home health care team, including nurses and therapists. This personalized care ensures that the patient’s treatment plan is tailored specifically to their individual needs, allowing for more focused and effective care.

Reduced Risk of Infections

Hospitals can be high-risk environments for infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), due to germs and bacteria. Infections can cause complications and extend recovery time for injuries and chronic illnesses. Home health care reduces the risk of infection by allowing patients to recover in a clean, controlled environment with minimal exposure to others.

Cost-Effectiveness

Home health care can often be more cost-effective than hospital stays. Hospitalizations come with high costs due to room and board, hospital staff, and specialized equipment. Home health care services involve lower expenses while still providing high-quality medical care.

Increased Flexibility and Independence

Receiving healthcare services at home allows for greater flexibility than a hospital stay. Patients can schedule treatments and care around their routines and schedules. This offers patients the independence that can be challenging in a hospital environment.

Family Involvement and Support

Home health care allows family members to be involved in the patient’s treatment plan and provide emotional support. This involvement helps patients feel supported during the recovery process and ensures that family members are thoroughly informed and knowledgeable about their loved one’s condition. This can play an important role in physical and emotional recovery.

Choosing home health care over a traditional hospital stay offers numerous benefits, including increased comfort, personalized care, and cost savings. These factors can lead to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life. If you’re considering home health care, contact Residential Healthcare Group today for guidance and personalized home health care.

Home Health Care with Residential Healthcare Group

Home Health Care

Fall Prevention Home Health Care July 22, 2024

As we get older, our bodies undergo various changes, some more noticeable than others. Dizziness, and even vertigo, tends to become more prevalent and intense as we grow in age, significantly impacting our daily life and even indicating underlying health concerns. Read this article on how dizziness gets worse with age, what factors cause it, and how you can manage and mitigate its effects.

A woman sitting on the bed because she is dizzy

What Causes Dizziness in Older Adults

Dizziness can show up in several ways, from feeling lightheaded to experiencing severe vertigo. As we grow older, several physiological changes contribute to an increased risk of dizziness, including:

Inner Ear Changes

The inner ear plays an important role in balance. Age-related changes such as damage to the vestibular system or reduced blood flow through the inner ear can cause imbalance and vertigo symptoms.

Reduced Muscle & Strength

Aging often leads to decreased strength and muscle mass, causing a negative impact on posture and stability. This muscle reduction can make it harder to stay balanced and recover when dizziness occurs.

Blood Pressure Inconsistency

Changes in blood pressure are more frequent as we grow older, especially when standing up quickly. These changes can trigger dizziness or light-headedness.

Side Effects of Medication

Many medications may include dizziness as a side effect, causing imbalance and dizziness, especially in older adults. It’s important to review medications regularly with your healthcare provider.

Underlying Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders can affect the nervous system and its ability to maintain balance.

Tips & Strategies for Managing Dizziness

While growing older may cause dizziness, there are some proactive steps you can follow to manage and reduce its impact on your quality of life.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so ensure you drink an adequate amount of fluid.
Exercise Regularly: Engage in balance-enhancing exercises such as tai chi or yoga to strengthen muscles and improve stability.
Review Medications: Work with your healthcare provider to review medications regularly and discuss any potential side effects that could impact your quality of life, such as dizziness.
Make Dietary Adjustments: Dietary changes, like reducing salt intake, can manage your blood pressure, and therefore prevent dizzy spells.
Use Assistive Devices: For individuals at higher risk of frequent falls, use a walking aid or install grab bars throughout your home to provide added stability.

Understanding why dizziness worsens with age can help you take proactive steps towards managing your health. By addressing underlying causes, making lifestyle adjustments, and seeking medical assistance when needed, it is possible to reduce the impact of dizziness on daily life significantly.

Managing Dizziness with Home Health Care

Residential Home Health provides specialized vestibular rehabilitation services for individuals who experience frequent dizziness and instability. This home health care program focuses on empowering individuals to manage their symptoms, reducing the risk of falls, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing overall strength and stability. If you or a loved one is dealing with severe dizziness, consider exploring our home health care services available in your area.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care June 26, 2024

Healthcare worker taking blood pressure of senior woman at home

Home health care provides personalized medical attention and emotional support in the comfort of a patient’s home. It’s the preferred care option for many individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or needing extra support to main independence.

Reasons to Consider Home Health Care

Here are five key signs that indicate it might be time to consider home health care for yourself or a loved one:

Recent Hospitalization or Surgery

After a hospital stay or surgery, the transition back home can be difficult, often requiring assistance with new medications, recovery, or rehabilitation services. Home health care offers nursing and therapy services to assist with this transition, helping patients maintain their independence and quality of life post-hospitalization.

Managing a Chronic Health Condition

Chronic health conditions such as dementia, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease often require ongoing monitoring and specialized care. Home health nurses and therapists can assist with administering medications, monitoring vital signs and specific therapies for proper disease management.

Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living

If a loved one is struggling with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking, it could indicate that additional support is needed. Home health aides and nurses can offer assistance with these activities, ensuring safety and comfort for patients.

Fall or Safety Concerns

A decline in mobility or cognitive abilities can increase the risk of falls and compromise safety at home. Significant changes in memory, judgement, or mobility may be indicators that it’s time to consider home health care. Trained nurses and home health aides can address these concerns and implement safety measures to prevent accidents.

Caregiver Burnout

Providing care for a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting. For caregivers who are experiencing stress, exhaustion, and burnout, home health can offer respite care. Home health care gives you the opportunity to recharge while your loved one receives continuous support and care.

Recognizing these signs and considering home health care services can significantly enhance the quality of life for your loved one and provide peace of mind for you and your family. Whether it’s assistance with daily living activities, ensuring a safe living environment or ongoing management of a chronic illness, home health care offers services tailored to your loved one’s needs.

What is Home Health Care?

Home health care involves a range of nursing and therapy services that can be provided wherever home may be. Also referred to as “skilled care,” home health care is designed to help patients gain independence and remain safe at home. Whether transitioning home from a hospital, managing chronic conditions, or addressing home safety concerns, home health care teams collaborate closely with physicians to create personalized care plans for patients

Home Health Care Services at Residential Healthcare Group

If you’re considering home health care, contact Residential Healthcare Group today for guidance and personalized home health care.

Home Health Care

Fall Prevention Home Health Care May 29, 2024

Old man suffering with pain and struggling to get up after falling down at home

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people ages 65 and older fall each year. However, many falls are preventable with awareness and the proper fall safety measures. In this guide, we will explore the common causes of falls, ways to mitigate fall hazards in your home, and essential tips for getting up safely after a fall.

Common Causes & Risk Factors of Falls

Falls can happen for many reasons, and understanding the common causes and risk factors is important for proper fall prevention. Several common factors include:

Age-related declines in balance
Muscle weakness and mobility issues
Side effects of medications
Low blood pressure
Sensory deficits, such as impaired vision or hearing
Home hazards, including cluttered walkways or poor lighting

By addressing these common causes and risk factors of falls, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of falling while maintaining safety and independence.

Enhancing Home Safety to Prevent Falls

Creating a safe home environment is important to reduce the risk of falls, particularly for older or elderly adults who spend a significant amount of time at home. By addressing these potential safety hazards, you can significantly lower your risk of falling. Here are some effective ways to enhance your home’s safety:

Improve lighting with light-sensitive night lights or motion-detecting lights that turn on automatically.
Fix or replace worn flooring including carpeting or floor tiles. Secure rugs with tape or no-slip rug pads to reduce the risk of tripping.
Rearrange furniture & clutter to ensure walking areas are free of obstacles.
Remove electrical cords from walkways and under rugs.
Restrict pets to certain areas if balance is an issue. Make sure pet food and water dishes are not placed in walkways.

Be Aware of Medication Side Effects

Although medications are supposed to help your health, some have side effects that can put you at risk of falling. It is a good idea to consult a pharmacist or a doctor about ALL the medications you take — including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Be alert of side effects such as dizziness and balance problems, fatigue, confusion, loss of coordination and weakness that can be risk factors of falling.

How to Get Up from a Fall

Getting up quickly or the wrong way could make an injury worse. If you are hurt, call for help using a medical alert response service or your telephone. If you are not injured, follow these steps to safely rise from a fall.

Prepare

Take a moment to gather yourself and make sure you are uninjured before attempting to get up from a fall.
Look around for a sturdy piece of furniture or the bottom of a staircase. Don’t try to stand up on your own.
Roll over onto your side by turning your head in the direction you are trying to roll, then moving your shoulders, arms, hips, and finally your leg, over.

Rise

Push your upper body up. Lift your head and pause for a few moments to steady yourself.
Slowly get up on your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture or the bottom of a staircase.
Place your hands on the furniture or stairs for balance and slide your foot forward so it is flat on the floor.

Sit

Prepare to rise by planting your back foot on the floor.
From this half-kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.
Sit for a few minutes before you try to do anything else.

How Home Health Can Help with Fall Prevention

Home health services can play a vital role in managing fall prevention, especially for individuals with conditions that frequently cause falls. Residential Healthcare Group’s StepWise Fall Prevention Program is designed to enhance patient independence and safety by improving mobility, balance, and strength, thereby reducing the risk of life-changing falls. This comprehensive program includes an evaluation of fall risks in the home, exercises to improve mobility, balance, and strength, education for both patients and caregivers, and preparation for maintaining independence and safety both inside and outside the home.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice Palliative Care May 15, 2024

Home care healthcare professional hugging senior patient

People commonly misunderstand the differences between home health, palliative care, and hospice due to their similarities. While they all share the common goal of providing support and assistance to patients in the comfort of their home, each type of care serves a different purpose and are dedicated to different healthcare needs. Understanding the differences between these types of care is important for patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Home Health, Palliative, and Hospice: What’s The Difference?

Home Health Care

Home health care offers a comprehensive range of medical services in the comfort of a patient’s home. Home health is typically recommended for patients who are transitioning home from a hospital due to injury, illness, or surgery or patients who need help in managing their chronic illness. Home health care promotes care, healing, safety, and independence at home. Services may include medication management, rehabilitation therapy, and assistance with daily living activities. These healthcare services are delivered by a robust team of healthcare professionals which could include registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, and journey counselors based on the patient’s condition. Home health services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many private insurances. Reach out to your insurance provider to find out if you qualify for home health care.

Palliative Care

Treating debilitating illness can cause advanced pain and uncomfortable symptoms. Palliative care specializes in providing relief from pain and stress of a serious illness. While hospice care is typically for patients with a terminal illness, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, regardless of prognosis. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families by supporting a patient’s physical health as well as psychosocial and spiritual needs. Palliative care programs include managing symptoms, offering advance care planning support, and coordination of care for the patient’s healthcare needs. Palliative care teams are comprised of palliative nurse practitioners, medical social workers, journey counselors, and other professionals who collaborate closely with the patient’s doctor to implement a personalized treatment plan. Palliative care is often covered for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Contact your insurance provider for specific details regarding your coverage.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a form of end-of-life care designed to provide comfort and support for individuals with a terminal illness or short life expectancy. While home health and palliative care are aimed at prolonging a patient’s life, hospice focuses on improving the quality of life for patients in their final stages. Hospice services include pain and medication management, as well as addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient. Hospice is typically provided in a patient’s home for optimal comfort. A multidisciplinary care team includes hospice nurses, physicians, spiritual care counselors, specialized therapists, volunteers, and bereavement coordinators to ensure both the patient and their loved ones are receiving the support they deserve during this challenging time. Hospice also supports family members with bereavement services following the death of a loved one and is typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many private insurances but should be discussed directly with your provider to explore eligibility.

About Residential Healthcare Group

While home health, palliative care, and hospice care offer similar services for patients in the comfort of their homes, they serve distinct purposes and are focused on different stages of illness. By understanding the differences between these types of care services, patients and their families can make informed, knowledgeable decisions to meet their unique needs. Residential Healthcare Group is here to walk alongside you throughout your healthcare journey and help with distinguishing the correct care option for you or your loved one.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care Hospice February 27, 2024

Celebrating Excellence in the Workplace

The value placed on workplace culture has never been higher. It’s important to create a workplace environment where employees feel not just satisfied but truly proud to be a member of the team. Our workplace culture reflects the commitment of our team members and leadership. In 2023, these efforts were celebrated as we proudly received Top Workplace recognition by distinguished publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Detroit Free Press, alongside being acknowledged as a Best Place to Work by the Central Penn Business Journal.

13 Years of Top Workplace Recognition

This acknowledgement represents our unwavering commitment to cultivating a supportive and passionate work culture among our team. Our journey of recognition spans several years, with accolades by the Detroit Free Press since 2011 for our Troy, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, and since 2018 for our Lapeer, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, showcasing our consistent dedication to our team’s satisfaction. Similarly, our Illinois Home Health and Hospice programs have been recognized as a top workplace by Chicago Tribune for a multitude of years (2018-2019 and 2021-2023).

The Top Workplaces distinction by Chicago Tribue and Detroit Free Press, evaluated solely through employee feedback, measures various aspects of the workplace experience, including values, inclusion, communication, training, benefits, and more. Best Places to Work recognition by the Central Penn Business Journal includes a comprehensive evaluation of workplace policies, practices, demographics, and an insightful employee survey. “This year’s 2023 Best Places to Work in PA winners make sure their teams feel appreciated, engaged and challenged. They foster a positive environment for innovative teams to thrive,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business.

Industry-Leading Employer in Home Health and Hospice

At Residential Healthcare Group, we care where you are, prioritizing that our home health and hospice teams feel valued, respected, and empowered. This is exemplified through our benefits programs, comprehensive onboarding programs, and flexible scheduling opportunities. It’s not just about achieving recognition; it’s about continuously striving to enhance our workplace culture and experiences for all who impactfully contribute to the care of our patients and their families.