Because Of Homecare, Millions Will Share Thanksgiving At Home With Family - November Is National Homecare Month

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 11 Nov 2008 - 3:00 PST

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Thanks to home medical equipment providers, millions of seniors and people with disabilities will share Thanksgiving and other holidays in the comfort of their homes. During November, which is National Homecare Month, the American Association for Homecare celebrates the thousands of dedicated professionals who provide cost-effective and consumer-preferred homecare.

Five Facts about Homecare

1) Among the eight million Americans who depend on homecare for medically required services or equipment are people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, spinal cord injuries, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other conditions.

2) Virtually every type of healthcare short of surgery can be performed in the home. Today Americans benefit from oxygen therapy, wheelchairs, skilled nursing, sleep therapy, infusion therapy, diabetes supplies, hospice, and other medical services, supplies, and equipment at home.

3) The home is the most cost-effective setting for medical care. Home-based care is a key part of the solution to the severe fiscal challenges facing Medicare and Medicaid and should be an essential part of healthcare reform discussions for federal and state policymakers.

4) Advances in technology for home medical equipment and telemedicine are expanding the clinical effectiveness of homecare.

5) In the event of a pandemic flu, homecare will play a large role in treating the millions of Americans who will require care.

For consumer information and links about homecare, visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.

The American Association for Homecare represents durable medical equipment and service providers, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states.

American Association for Homecare