All the varied levels of health care help ensure that patients are in the best setting for their condition and recovery. In many cases, that setting is home — which is exactly where the majority of patients want to be.

Did you know that the average length of stay in a hospital has decreased from 21 days in the 1960s to around five today?

Medical advancements, like minimally invasive surgery, and the transition of more services from inpatient to outpatient are key reasons behind that shift. Inpatient hospital care is the most expensive setting. Also, home health has benefits that help many patients make the best transition back to their life at home.

Home health care brings an experienced and skilled team into the home setting, from registered nurses to home health aides and therapists, including physical, occupational and speech, depending on the patient’s needs.

Advantages of home care include:

• Less risk of hospitalization or readmissions: Home health staff can help patients recover well through aspects like better medication management, one-to-one education on self-care, and early identification of any warning signs that could lead to serious complications

• Greater independence in doing daily routines and “getting back into life” as patients are able

• Improved quality of life, close to family, pets, hobbies and just the patient’s own bed or a familiar recliner

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Maximizing safety at home, by identifying activity limitations and fall risks

Hospice care in the home is similar but distinct. It involves care at end of life for patients who no longer want to pursue treatment to try to achieve remission or improve a condition, whether that’s cancer, end-stage kidney failure, heart failure, advanced respiratory disease or a neurological condition like ALS.

Hospice care can be delivered wherever the patient calls home, whether it’s their house, apartment, assisted living center or long-term care center. For patients who need a higher level of care outside of their home, a residential hospice facility provides 24/7 care in a homelike environment.

Rather than facing the end-of-life journey on their own, patients and families benefit from:

• Expert care in a comforting setting

• Assistance in treating symptoms for patient comfort, including pain or nausea

• Support including spiritual care, coping with grief and drawing up advance directives to make one’s wishes known

Home medical equipment provides patients with the medical devices and support they need to remain safe, independent and comfortable at home. This includes oxygen therapy, mobility support, sleep therapy, safety equipment and daily living aids.

We know that options after a hospitalization or when a loved one’s condition is declining are conversations that today’s families want to have.

Ask your provider or care team about local at-home services or learn more at Avera.org/AveraAtHome.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center