How do home-care programs coordinate medical, nursing, social, and rehabilitation services?

Home-care programs coordinate medical, nursing, social, and rehabilitation services by integrating professional health care with personal social support to improve a patient's quality of life and independence.1

When patients transition out of a hospital, care is typically organized through government or private health care agencies. These agencies manage the delivery of services, which may include:1

• Medical and Nursing Care: Licensed professionals, such as nurses, provide specialized medical treatments and supportive health care in the home.1
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapists and occupational therapists are often dispatched to assist with recovery and adjustment.12
• Social Services: Medical social workers provide counseling and support for patients and their families, often assisting with financial concerns or navigating disability needs.2
• Personal Support: Home-helpers may be arranged to assist with activities of daily living, such as shopping or bathing.12

In some regions, patients may opt for self-directed care, allowing them to personally select and manage their care assistants within an allotted budget.1