2019 did not start well! An unexpected back operation followed by a bout of influenza A which turned into pneumonia and ongoing respiratory issues resulted in a relationship with the health sector like never before. And, while all of the health professionals I encountered were most helpful, by early April I’d had enough and a return visit to hospital was not a prospect I relished. In fact, I basically refused to go.
So, this was when my very understanding General Practitioner introduced me to ‘Hospital in the Home’. While I had heard of the concept, until this year my hardy constitution had done me proud and my visits to hospital had been largely limited to the production of 3 children and more recently, the odd colonoscopy, so I had little need of such a service.
Hospital in the Home is a service which enables people who may require hospital care, to receive the health services they require in the comfort of their own home. In my case it meant a daily visit by a nurse to administer intravenous antibiotics and to check my oxygen levels, blood pressure and other ‘vitals’. It also involved visits from a Hospital in the Home doctor who monitored my progress, supervised the nursing support and liaised with my GP. The care and support were excellent.
I found the service to be professional and thorough, while maintaining a friendly and informal approach. Importantly, for me it meant that I could sleep in my own bed, I could eat what and when I wanted, my family and friends could drop by at any time and I could wake up and go to bed when I wanted. I felt relaxed but also totally assured that I was receiving the care I required.
It also meant that I was not surrounded by other sick people sharing their germs and I was not subject to a hospital regime, receiving unnecessary and unwanted attention, and support that I could be provided at home.
Importantly, I was not taking up valuable bed space and nursing time ….and I was much less of a drain on an already stretched health system.
Hospital in the Home is a service I can thoroughly recommend. I was surprised to discover the range of medical services and conditions which can be treated successfully at home and I am convinced that my recovery was so much quicker because I was in familiar surroundings. I was also surprised to find that it is a totally free service.
Be sure to discuss Hospital in the Home with your GP if hospital is not your preferred option.
For more information access Live Well Longer's free Hospital in the Home resource. Become a Live Well Longer member to access further helpful practical information and free resources.