7 reasons to say yes to in-home health visits, today
Did you know you can get an in-home health checkup in addition to seeing your doctor in person? Here’s how your health can stay on track with these yearly appointments.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor.
Seeing your primary care provider on a yearly basis is important for your well-being. They can diagnose health conditions, address medical concerns, and make sure you’ve got doable and effective treatment plans to follow.
But even with this annual wellness visit, you may not be receiving all the care you need to stay healthy and strong now — and for years to come. That’s where in-home health assessments come in, especially if you’re over the age of 65.
“As a clinical social worker, I’ve done home visits a lot for older clients, and they’re invaluable,” says Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW. She’s the founder of Jenerations Health Education, in Baltimore, and a former gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University’s Certificate on Aging program. “You can see how a person truly lives, which provides insights into their health.”
And what’s even better: Your health plan membership covers the cost of a yearly in-home health and wellness assessment.
7 advantages of in-home health assessments
There are many reasons to schedule a visit with a Matrix Medical Network clinician today. These include:
1. You get a mini physical.
A clinician can check your heart rate and blood pressure, in addition to your height and weight. They may also do a urine test to check for protein or blood, which could indicate more serious health issues like a urinary tract or kidney infection.
2. You get more time to talk about your overall health.
The average doctor’s visit lasts about 18 minutes, which doesn’t give you a lot of time to talk about your medical concerns and needs. But a home health assessment lasts up to an hour. That’s a lot of valuable time with a health care provider.
During this visit, a clinician will review your medical history and your family history. They’ll also offer you personalized health advice. This could include nutrition and exercise counseling. What’s more, they can also recommend any preventive screenings you may be due for, such as a mammogram or a colonoscopy.
3. You can have someone help assess your cognitive abilities.
If you’ve been forgetful lately or have had difficulty learning new things — and haven’t wanted to share this with anyone — the visit can offer the perfect one-on-one opportunity.
You’ll have time to discuss your cognitive concerns with a caring and empathetic clinician. They’ll be able to talk with you about the signs of dementia — and help connect you with available support resources.
Get care between doctor visits without leaving home.
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4. You get an in-home fall risk assessment.
More than 1 in 4 older people fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Yet these falls can cause a serious injury, such as a hip fracture, that could land you in the hospital or even in a nursing home.
As we get older, our eyesight worsens, as does our ability to walk steadily, notes FitzPatrick. During your visit, the Matrix clinician will check your balance. Also, with your permission, they can scan your home for trip hazards, such as uneven stairs or loose area rugs.
“It’s good to have a fresh pair of eyes at your home, to look for hidden hazards,” she adds. Then they can discuss solutions with you to help keep you safe.
5. You get a medication check.
Many older adults take multiple medications. Yet, among older adults taking at least two prescription medications, just 1 in 4 had had a comprehensive mediation review, according to a University of Michigan poll.
Your Matrix clinician can examine all your medication bottles to be sure you have enough of each medicine. They can also help assess whether there’s any medication you may no longer need, and if you’re at risk for any interactions.
“Sometimes, a patient will only have 10 puffs left on their inhaler to manage their asthma. And it turns out that they have limited transportation, so they can’t easily get to their pharmacy for a refill,” explains FitzPatrick. The clinician can make note of this and find ways to help get you the medications you need.
6. You can find out if you’re caught up on all your vaccinations.
At your in-home health assessment, the clinician will review your vaccine status. This includes COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, shingles, and hepatitis B vaccines. If you’re due for any immunizations, the clinician will make a note on the health care assessment so your primary care provider can follow up with you to get you caught up.
7. You get to do the visit from the comfort of your own home.
A home health assessment can be completed while sitting at your kitchen table or in the living room. As a result, you may be more relaxed and be better able to focus on whatever health-related questions or concerns you have.
Both annual wellness visits at your doctor’s office and health assessments at home — while different — play an important role in managing your overall health. At-home assessments support the care you receive from your doctor to help keep you healthy for the long term. Be sure to schedule your visit today.
Sources:
Blood in urine (hematuria): Mayo Clinic
Facts about falls: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Older adults’ experiences with comprehensive medication reviews: University of Michigan
Yearly “wellness” visits: Medicare.gov
