The Cost-Effectiveness of Home Healthcare: How it Can Benefit Insurers and Patients Alike

by | Jan 13, 2023 | Health Tech, Healthcare, Patient

Introduction

Home healthcare is a growing trend in the healthcare industry, and for good reason. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional inpatient care while providing patients with the comfort and convenience of receiving medical care in their own homes. In Cameroon, where healthcare resources can be limited and overburdened hospitals can make it difficult for patients to receive timely and appropriate care, home healthcare can be a valuable option for insurers and patients alike.

Cost Comparison

One of the main benefits of home healthcare is its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional inpatient care. Studies have shown that patients who receive home healthcare have lower healthcare costs and fewer hospital readmissions. In Cameroon, where medical resources can be limited, home healthcare can be a cost-effective solution for insurers. In addition, by providing care in the home setting, home healthcare can also reduce the burden on Cameroon’s already overburdened hospitals. For example, in the event of a health emergency or outbreak, home healthcare can help reduce the number of patients in hospitals, ensuring that those who need hospital care the most can receive it.

Personalized Care

Home healthcare also offers the advantage of personalized, one-on-one care. Patients receive care tailored to their specific needs and conditions, which can lead to better outcomes and more efficient recovery. In addition, patients are able to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, which can aid in recovery and overall well-being. This is especially important in Cameroon, where many patients may live in remote areas where access to medical care can be difficult.

Use of Technology

Technology and telehealth are also playing an increasingly important role in home healthcare. Remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and other technological advancements allow healthcare providers to monitor patients’ conditions remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This can also improve patient outcomes by identifying potential health issues early on. Telehealthcare can be especially valuable in Cameroon, where patients in remote areas may not have easy access to medical care.

Preventing Hospital Readmissions

Home healthcare can also play a critical role in preventing hospital readmissions. By providing care and support in the home setting, home healthcare can help manage patients’ chronic conditions and prevent exacerbations that lead to hospitalization. This not only improves patient outcomes, but it also reduces the overall cost of healthcare for insurers. For example, in Cameroon, where many patients have chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, home healthcare can help prevent hospital readmissions and reduce the overall cost of healthcare.

Conclusion

Home healthcare is a cost-effective alternative to traditional inpatient care that can benefit both insurers and patients in Cameroon. It offers personalized care and the use of technology, which can lead to better patient outcomes and prevent hospital readmissions. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, home healthcare will likely play an increasingly important role in providing high-quality, cost-effective care. Insurers in Cameroon should consider home healthcare as a valuable option for their clients, especially in scenarios such as health emergencies, outbreaks, and remote areas where access to medical care can be difficult.

Tips on staying healthy during the festive season

by | Dec 29, 2022 | Angel, Healthcare, Patient

‘Tis the season to be merry!

While we are busy with family gatherings, nights out with friends, cocktail parties, and other fun holiday activities, we can sometimes get carried away and not pay attention to healthy lifestyles. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during this festive season.

 

  • Eat healthily

Before you enjoy special holiday foods, make sure to consume vegetables and fruits which are high in nutrients and support optimal health. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. 

  • Stay active

Make sure you stick to doing some physical activity every day– whether that is a walk, a run, or an online workout.

  • Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and/or caffeine as they are loaded with sugar, sodium, and other ingredients that remove water from your tissues.

  • Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs

It’s flu season ensure to wash your hands often and also dress warmly to avoid getting the flu.

  • Manage stress

Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.

  • Don’t Sit Down All Day

Encourage the whole family to get out for a walk at some point – ideally, after dinner to aid digestion. Do games and other activities.

  • Get enough sleep

Being tired can lead to increased stress, low energy, and making unhealthy eating and drinking decisions. Don’t overbook yourself with holiday events and try to stick to a regular bedtime every night.

Stay safe and healthy during this festive season and remember for any health concerns, Klarah is here for you.

 

www.klarah.com

Physical inactivity could cause non-communicable diseases

by | Dec 17, 2022 | Angel, Healthcare, Patient

Did you know physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases?

According to major research, physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases which is the number one cause of death and disability in the world.

Non-communicable diseases include illnesses such as:

Parkinson’s disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, strokes, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, mental health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, most heart diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases, to mention a few.

Non-communicable diseases shorten life expectancy and there cannot be enough efforts to eliminate this cankerworm but we can start by eliminating physical inactivity.

Here are some tips to help you overcome physical inactivity and stay physically active.

  • Add physical activity to your daily routine. For example, walk or ride your bike, take the stairs, exercise while you watch TV, or park a considerable distance from your destination.
  • Develop a set of activities that can be done irrespective of weather conditions, such as (stair climbing, rope skipping, dancing, indoor swimming, etc.).
  • Take advantage of physical activity facilities and programs at work.
  • Plan social activities involving exercise, develop active hobbies, and try a fitness tracker.
  • Select activities that don’t require new skills, such as walking, climbing stairs, or jogging.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercises a week to stay physically active, in addition, it is advised to move at least 1 to 2 minutes each hour of sitting.

By exercising more and staying physically active, the risk of non-communicable diseases can be averted.
Stay physically active today.

 

Challenges of being a family caregiver

by | Nov 20, 2022 | Angel, Health Tech, Healthcare, Patient

Care provided at home is often considered the preference of the elderly. Informal care—often provided by spouses, adult children, and other family members, accounts for most of the care the elderly currently receive in developing countries. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding; we feel confident of the care our loved one is receiving, we are able to be there for them and also be around them more often, they feel more comfortable expressing themselves to us an also, it is less costly. To most family caregivers, caring for their loved one is one of the most fulfilling experiences, however, it also comes with its own challenges.

Financial strain
In Cameroon, for example, a greater part of the older adult population experience poverty as they are often on retirement, with little or no retirement plans and benefits. Family Caregivers usually tend to pay for health needs out of their pocket and if they have a job that is very demanding they may sometimes have to quit their jobs to take better care of the loved one. This poses a greater financial strain on them and on the family.

Experience burnout
Taking care of a loved one can be very stressful. There are a lot of tasks to handle, from managing medications to helping with getting dressed or bathing. This can sometimes lead to caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Caregivers who are “burned out” may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression.

Little time to care for themselves
Depending on how advanced an illness or ailment may be, some patients need round-the-clock care. Eating, bathing, light exercise, medication–these tasks can take up large chunks of a caregiver’s day.

The tendency to mar other valuable relationships
Caring for a loved one can take away time from relationships with others, just as much as it can take away time from self. Dinner dates, hobbies, and other activities with friends and family may seem difficult to attend.

Constant worry
Family caregivers can often find themselves constantly worrying about how their loved one is faring when they are not around them. This can leave the caregiver feeling nervous, restless or tense and quite possibly depressed.

Risk of health issues
Research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk. Emotional, mental, and physical health problems arise from complex caregiving situations and the strains of caring for ill relatives. Risk of illness, injury, mortality, weakened immune system, depression and anxiety are usually associated with this situation.

Feelings of isolation
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can arise due to a withdrawal from previous habits and lifestyle. Oftentimes, caregiving duties take up so much of the caregiver’s time that they no longer maintain social connections outside of the home.

Lack of knowledge
Family caregivers typically have little or no medical knowledge. This lack of knowledge can make caregiving seem very daunting, particularly if the older adult’s medical condition is complex and decisions made will impact their health and wellbeing.

Caregiver challenges can have serious ramifications for the lives of family caregivers. It’s important to seek a balance between caregiving and your own life. You can try to; share the responsibility, practice Self Care, be open to technologies and strategies that allow your family member to remain as independent as possible, get a good night’s sleep, focus on what’s truly important, and be up-front about your limitations, ask help from other family members to share in the financial burden.

If practicing these tips still doesn’t help, you can get home health care for your loved one. Home healthcare has the benefit of relieving caregiver stress as someone else can take care of your loved one so you can have time to focus on yourself. You can contact Klarah today to subscribe for home health care for your loved one. Klarah has a network of nurses present throughout Cameroon and can therefore attend to patients from anywhere. Our technological advancement also helps those in the diaspora to keep up with their parents and loved ones health from a distance.

Visit our website: www.klarah.com

Why Home Healthcare is Crucial after Hospital Discharge

by | Nov 19, 2022 | Angel, Healthcare, Patient

Home health care after a hospital discharge ensures that your loved one receives the exact support they need to increase their chance of a full recovery.

Home health care in recent years is becoming a crucial component of care after discharge from the hospital. Sometimes, a major injury, illness, or health event can turn a person’s life upside down and be very burdensome both to the patient and loved ones. So it can be relieving when a loved one is discharged from the hospital. However, the weeks or months after a hospital discharge represent a high-risk period, which can often lead to other complications or sometimes readmission. Seniors who are coming home from the hospital require care, support, and follow-up.

Follow-up intends to help return the patient’s health conditions to a desired state of health. It is a major way to continue care even after patients have left the hospital premises. Katie et al, define follow-up as a vital part of ongoing patient safety which allows for subsequent investigations to be checked and acted upon as well as encourages specialist review of patients thereby ensuring that patients with chronic conditions receive appropriate secondary care.

There’s usually very little home health care in Cameroon after a patient’s discharge from the hospital. According to a report by Project-House, after research at two major hospitals in the South West region, there’s hardly any record of home visits after discharge. According to the report, the hospitals record a readmission rate of 5.7% and 3% respectively after discharge.

A patient’s care shouldn’t end the minute they leave the hospital. Whether your hospital stay was planned or the result of an accident or emergency, you may need extra support to help you settle back into your daily life. How can patients and their families benefit from home healthcare services and improve their experience after a discharge from the hospital?

Home health care can help reduce costs in the long run
Home health care after discharge helps to prevent readmission which can be very frustrating and costly. According to the Commonwealth Fund, healthcare that enables patients to receive acute care at home has proven effective in reducing complications while cutting the cost of care by 30 percent or more.

It provides the patient with more effective and centralized care, thereby speeding complete recovery
Klarah Carer visits the patient regularly, and can also communicate with the patient via telemedicine equipment, to capture any decline in the patient’s condition. Patients can also be monitored using telemedicine equipment.

Proper follow-up after a chronic illness
Depending on the type of illness, home health services are vital to the healing process; Carers can help to monitor responses to exercise and give education about cardiovascular risk factors in case if heart disease or after surgery. Home health care can also help with physical therapy regimes, as well as menu planning that supports healthy nutrition and hydration to promote continued healing.

Safe and proper administration of medication
The carer ensures the correct administration of the medicines at their prescribed time and correct dosage.

Help with activities of daily living
The carer can help the patient with basic daily life activities. Hence enabling patients to have maximum rest and improving their quality of life.

Companionship and support
Recovery at home can be a slow and lonely experience if you do not have family or friends close by. A home health caregiver provides well-rounded support, whether it is emotional, medical, or physical support for the patient.

Assessment and development of a proper care plan
Hospital discharge planning is a critical step in a patient’s recovery. A successful home care plan should involve a comprehensive client assessment, as well as participation in discharge planning resulting in the development and implementation of a client-centered care plan. Home health can take on this task effectively and promptly.

Help with mobility and prevention of falls
Risks such as falls and mobility challenges can be properly addressed and mitigated.

The role of home health care after a hospital discharge cannot be overemphasized.
If you need after-hospital care by trained and caring professionals, look no further, Klarah is here to help you. Visit our website now to learn how we can help you transition from a hospital stay to getting fully recovered and comfortable at home.

www.klarah.com