When it comes to care for the elderly, home-based physiotherapy (or physio) services is one of the best options for many individuals and families. Home care physio programs are generally cost-effective, especially when you are considering long-term impact on your future healthcare budget. Like any other long-term care options, however, there are certain factors that you should be prepared for before choosing between in-home and outpatient services.
Additional Costs
One of the major shortcomings of home-based physiotherapy services for seniors is cost—it is generally more expensive than outpatient care. Since the relevant healthcare facility must reimburse the assigned physiotherapist for fuel costs and travel time, the cost of the services goes up. While outpatient service providers can easily divide their time and other costs between many patients and make more hourly wage, home-based services costs are billed based on the number of patients and the types of services provided. Like any other business, the cost is naturally transferred to you—the consumer. Nonetheless, most patients find the benefits associated with home-based physio services to be worth the extra costs.
Insurance Challenges
Although home-based cares are becoming more popular and many insurance firms in Canada are beginning to consider it as a viable form of treatment, a few are still reluctant to embrace it. Additionally, since it is more expensive than outpatient care, some insurance firms often refuse to cover patients. To convince your insurance company to cover you, nonetheless, you can work with your physiotherapist to make a case why home-based treatment is the best in your case. Most insurance firms in Canada will definitely cover you or your loved one if you are unable to travel to the outpatient care facility.
Limited Equipment
Many of the machines and tools used to provide advanced physiotherapy services may not be available for in-home patients. These equipment are bulky are costly to transport and physiotherapist may be forced to be creative with the available equipment or tools at their disposal. This means that if you need more intensive physio services which require special equipment, outpatient care may be the best bet. Nonetheless, there are many physiotherapists who are willing to wield travel-friendly arsenal to help their patients as well as health care facilities that are ready to build temporary therapy areas in their patients’ homes.
Bottom Line
Physiotherapy services can play big roles in managing and improving your health and well-being. Although home-based service comes with a wide of range of obstacles, there are a plethora of benefits that you stand to gain. If you are home-bound, therefore, the benefits of in-home care far outweigh the highlighted drawbacks. Work with your health care provider and insurance company to discuss further the best option that can work for your preferences and budget.
