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Thanks to Homecare, millions of Older Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and other Holidays at home...November is National Homecare Month

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thanks to homecare, millions of older and disabled Americans throughout the U.S. will celebrate Thanksgiving and other holidays with their families in the comfort of their homes. During November, which is National Homecare Month, the American Association for Homecare reminds families and policymakers that medical equipment and therapies provided in the home offer clinically sound, cost-effective care in a patient-preferred setting.

Five Facts about Homecare

1) About 8 million Americans depend on homecare for medically required services or equipment.

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

3) Advances in technology for home medical equipment and telemedicine are expanding the value and clinical effectiveness of homecare.

4) Homecare serves a vital role in 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."

5) In the event of a pandemic flu, homecare will play a large role in treating the millions of Americans who are likely to require care.

For information about local homecare providers, studies that document the cost-effectiveness of homecare, and other details, visit the American Association for Homecare website at http://www.aahomecare.org/ or contact Michael Reinemer or Tilly Gambill at the Association.

The American Association for Homecare represents durable medical equipment providers, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit http://www.aahomecare.org/.