[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HOMECARE PROVIDES VALUE FOR AMERICANS' HEALTH CARE DOLLAR--GOOD REASON 
            TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOMECARE AND HOSPICE MONTH

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                            HON. MARK FOLEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, homecare presents--a tremendous value for 
Americans' healthcare dollar. Homecare provides a family-friendly, 
clinically proven way of receiving quality healthcare for millions of 
Americans where they prefer to receive care--at home. November, 
National Homecare and Hospice Month, is an opportunity to recognize the 
importance of homecare as an essential component of healthcare in the 
United States.
  This important segment of the health care continuum allows patients 
with medical needs to remain in their homes, including those who are 
recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill who need medical, 
nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment.
  Homecare represents a family value and a value for families. It's 
about quality healthcare and quality of life for at least 8 million 
households across the United States.
  Recent studies of homecare services support the following 
conclusions:
  Homecare for selected conditions can shorten inpatient hospital 
stays.
  Homecare can reduce the overall costs of care without compromising 
outcomes.
  Homecare can improve clinical outcomes including mortality. This 
improvement can be striking in degree.
  Homecare can improve patient and caregiver satisfaction.
  Homecare can improve functional independence and reduce the risk of 
institutional placement.
  For Medicare beneficiaries with selected conditions, formal homecare 
is the most cost-effective strategy for achieving functional 
improvement compared to in-patient rehabilitation, nursing-home-based 
rehabilitation, and discharge to home without formal homecare services.
  Homecare is expected to grow in the years ahead because of several 
large-scale trends:
  The American population is rapidly aging. The 85-and-older group is 
the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population.
  Advances in technology allow virtually every service short of surgery 
to be delivered at home.
  Homecare does not require brick-and-mortar investments since it's 
provided at home.
  So today I join homecare patients and caregivers throughout the 
United States in celebrating National Homecare and Hospice Month.

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