Millions of patients celebrate Thanksgiving at home because of homecare; November is National Homecare Month

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Thanks to homecare, millions of patients across America will celebrate Thanksgiving with their families in the comfort of their homes. During November, National Homecare Month, the American Association for Homecare is reminding consumers and policymakers that homecare is clinically effective, cost-effective and preferred by patients.

Four Facts about Homecare

1) Millions of Americans depend on homecare for medically required therapies and care.

2) Virtually every type of healthcare short of surgery can be performed in the home. Today Americans can receive respiratory therapy, rehab and assistive technology services, skilled nursing, sleep therapy, infusion therapy and hospice services in their homes.

3) Technology for home medical equipment and telemedicine is advancing the cost-effectiveness and clinical effectiveness of homecare.

4) Homecare serves a vital role of the nation's healthcare system and is a key part of the solution to the fiscal challenges of Medicare and Medicaid. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt has called for greater use of home and community-based care because "it's not only where people want to be served, but it's radically more efficient."

"Homecare is a vital part of the nation's healthcare infrastructure," stated Tyler J. Wilson, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. "We encourage both healthcare consumers and policymakers to learn more about homecare and to support stronger homecare for Americans."

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The American Association for Homecare is the only national association that represents every line of service in the homecare community, including home medical equipment providers, rehab and assistive technology, home health agencies, respiratory therapy, infusion therapy, home hospice, medical supplies, and telemedicine. The Association represents more than 4,000 member locations nationwide.