“Clients receive the care they need in the privacy and comfort of their own home rather than in hospital. Skilled nurses, physiotherapists and other clinicians will visit them at home to deliver care that meets the directions of the hospital medical specialist." – Jane Cameron.
The idea of any kind of hospital stay can be a daunting one and there can be added stress if an extended stay is required for recovery or rehabilitation.
There’s simply no place like home and we want our members to get back to where they feel most comfortable as soon as they can.
Our Hospital Care at Home and Rehabilitation at Home services allow you to return home sooner, which means you’ll have peace of mind you’ll soon be on the mend in familiar surroundings.
For eligible members and with your doctor’s approval, we can co-ordinate health care services such as nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and personal care.
Depending on your needs, we can also help you with meals and cleaning services.
These programs are co-ordinated by our health partner Remedy Healthcare, an experienced provider of home and community-based care.
Jane Cameron, Operations Manager – Hospital Partnerships for Remedy Healthcare, says patients report they sleep, eat and relax better in their own home environment.
“Clients receive the care they need in the privacy and comfort of their own home rather than in hospital,” Jane says. “Skilled nurses, physiotherapists and other clinicians will visit them at home to deliver care that meets the directions of the hospital medical specialist, and visits are provided seven days a week if required.
“This saves our clients needing to stay in hospital where they might only need nursing intervention once a day to manage intravenous antibiotics, or attention to wound care.”
Hospital Care at Home
By providing short-term support in the comfort of your own home, our Hospital Care at Home service helps you return home from hospital sooner.
You’ll receive the kind of support you would in hospital, but you’re in the comfort of your own home.
“Hospital care at home is a nursing-focused program,” Jane says. “You will routinely be receiving nursing visits as many times per week as needed, which may be daily in some cases.
“Additionally, clients have their own nurse care co-ordinator who will maintain phone contact with them throughout the program to ensure they are progressing well.”
This service may include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, personal care and meals provision.
Benefits of Hospital Care at Home include:
- recovery in the comfort and privacy of your own home
- not having to travel for medical appointments
- feeling supported both physically and emotionally
- reduced strain on partners and carers
- getting home to family and pets
- a greater sense of control over your recovery
Rehabilitation at Home
Like Hospital Care at Home, this program helps you return home from hospital sooner, in this case by providing home-based support in place of a rehabilitation hospital stay.
Generally run for 6–8 weeks, patients receive an in-home rehabilitation program that is suited to their individual needs, goals and any directions from their hospital medical specialist.
“All clients will receive in home physiotherapy along with other clinical services as required,” Jane says. “All clinicians are experienced at undertaking rehabilitation in a home-based setting for a variety of rehab needs.
“In addition, your care co-ordinator will manage any program changes that may be required. Non-clinical supports such as personal care assistance, domestic assistance and meals delivery is also available in some cases.”
Your care co-ordinator will also work closely with your doctor and hospital treating team to tailor a program specific to your needs that provides effective and convenient rehabilitation services following a wide range of surgical procedures and for medical conditions including:
- joint replacements
- cardiac conditions
- reconditioning
- neurological conditions
- mobility problems and falls
- respiratory conditions
- spinal conditions
Eligibility and how to apply
To access the Hospital Care at Home or Rehabilitation at Home services you need to hold an appropriate level of hospital cover with Australian Unity, have completed any related waiting periods that apply and satisfy the program’s entry criteria.
You will also need your doctor’s approval to take part in these programs, so talk to your doctor to see whether you condition is suitable for care in the home.
Your doctor or hospital will then contact us to get things started. By using these programs, you’ll feel more supported, both emotionally and physically, as you recover at home with the help of dedicated health professionals.
Please review your Fact Sheet or contact Australian Unity on 1300 650 162 to see if you’re covered and speak to your treating doctor or hospital to discuss your suitability for the program.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is not medical advice and you should consult with your healthcare practitioner. Australian Unity accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions, advice, representations or information contained in this publication. Readers should rely on their own advice and enquiries in making decisions affecting their own health, wellbeing or interest.
