Who May Benefit from Home Care Services?

Estimates indicate that as many as 9 to 11 million Americans need home care services. Most will receive services from informal care givers - family members, friends, or others who provide uncompensated care. Some 7 million will also receive formal services through compensated home care providers. These individuals require such services because of acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disability or terminal illness. The most common conditions of patients using home care are:

  • Diseases of the circulatory system
  • Heart disease, including congestive heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Wounds including ulcers, decubitus or surgical sites
  • Post-hospital care

The most common conditions of patients using home infusion services are:

  • Infections requiring IV antibiotics
  • Cancer treatment requiring IV chemotherapy
  • IV Pain management
  • Nutritional needs requiring enteral (tube feedings) or parenteral (TPN) support