Diverse medical conditions require careful care and supervision of varying degrees in different patients. Most patients are in the third age, whose condition is defined as care dependent with varying degrees. Beyond the relatives of the patients, if they exist, three state entities are responsible for their treatment – the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Welfare and the National Insurance Institute.
Patients with functional difficulties usually have two choices – the choice between home care ( the patients stay in their home, community and environment that is familiar to them while enjoying the obvious benefits of maintaining the routine of life that they have become accustomed to), or transitioning to nursing institutions or sheltered housing. In these places, the patient’s life is completely changed, mental adaptation must take place, risks are added to their physiological aspect, because of not receiving proper supervision, increased exposure to infections that naturally exist in these type of institutions.
“Patient focused treatment” is considered one of the components of quality treatment, and is defined as “a treatment that respects the patient and responds to preferences, needs and values of the patient.” It includes aspects such as emotional support, respect, physical support, information giving and communication, continuum and coordination of treatment, the patient’s involvement and his family.
In recent years, like other places in the world, we have witnessed a trend that is gaining momentum, which encourages patients to continue treatment in their home. The services provided to citizens has improved as a result of that, so the patients can stay within the community. The reasons for the trend changes are many, including the growing population of the elderly in Israel. The great burden on hospitals and institutions also lack beds and fear of infections. All of these led to the growth of the field of home care.
The growth of this field is also due to the recognition of the medical community of the advantages of the home care and its benefits for the patient. It may contributes significantly to improving their quality of life. Home treatment helps the patient stay in a familiar and safe place for them, with the people close to them and allows them maintaining his or her routine as they are used to behave. Staying in the patient’s familiar environment, in a home frame within the community, having a regular relationship with their loved ones, friends and acquaintances, receiving care in one’s home – these are some advantages over entering a nursing home, hostel or sheltered housing.
