Many children with complex medical needs miss their parents when they are placed in a hospital or health facility. Children and their families can benefit from long-term pediatric care in an in-home setting in many ways. In addition to the advantages of hospital care, there are also some advantages to pediatric care home care.
Advantages of taking care of patients in hospitals and medical facilities
A disabled child can benefit from receiving care in a facility, such as:
Much-needed human interaction
Instead of being cooped up at home, young patients who are dealing with the challenges of long-term health issues are likely to benefit from going to the hospital or a facility. It is important for them to go outside, even if that place is a children’s hospital, so they can socialize with others who face the same challenges.
They get personalized care
In hospitals and facilities, children are treated by doctors, nursing staff, therapists, physicians, therapists and other specialists who specialize in disease and illnesses that affect children.
Advantages of pediatric home care services
Children are better cared for at home than in hospitals and other facilities. If children are able to see their parents and families more frequently, they typically develop higher cognitive and social skills.
There are additional advantages to in-home care, including:
Families are more involved
Families and parents can become more involved in their child’s care with in-home care. Families have the opportunity to see their children every day without having to travel far to a hospital.
Care of a higher standard
A nurse’s ratio, or number of nurses per patient, can vary quite a bit. It is typical that a pediatric nurse cares for from three to six patients at a time, depending on the institution. Unlike a busy hospital setting, home health care is likely to offer individualized care and attention.
It is cost-effective and saves time
Care provided at home saves time and money spent on commuting. Caregivers visit the home at times convenient for parents, so parents will not miss any of their commitments. Many families prefer this option because it allows them to avoid the traffic for the convenience of flexible scheduling.
So, which one is better?
Children receiving in-home pediatric care have the advantage that they receive all the medical attention, including physical and therapeutic treatment, nursing care, and other medical services, all within the safety and privacy of their homes.
Having their parents and siblings around gives children comfort in a familiar environment. Hospital settings, on the other hand, often create feelings of isolation for children, which can be counterproductive to their healing process.
Both, pediatric home health care or hospital services, come with a set of pros and cons. Many patients and families consider in-home care to be the best option due to the quality of life it can provide. In some cases, however, patients who require highly specialized care may require facility care.
Conclusion
A hospital or healthcare center provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to long-term disease. Investing in these facilities could be the best choice if a patient is unstable and needs life-saving treatment. However,the adverse side effects of hospital care is the inability to spend time with family members, frustration, stress, and infrequent contact with family members. Whereas, pediatric home health agencies often serve as a transition between the hospital and everyday life for patients. In most cases, when a condition can be adequately managed at home, a child would benefit from in-home care.