Healthy At Home, formerly operated by Harbor Care, was a home healthcare program that catered to individuals in New Hampshire who preferred receiving care in the comfort of their own homes rather than in long-term care facilities. This option was considered significantly safer for medically fragile individuals who were more susceptible to infections, including COVID-19. Home care allowed for less outside contact, reducing the risk of infections for homebound individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, many financially vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions found it difficult to afford home care services beyond acute rehabilitation or support.
Low-income individuals, who were more likely to be homebound and have disabilities or chronic conditions, often struggled to afford daily-living care or costly insurance add-ons. As a result, they were more likely to opt for long-term care facilities, which became untenable during the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy At Home stepped in to assist homebound individuals who were underinsured and low-income, helping them remain independent, dignified, and safe in their own homes. This non-profit home care agency provided services to the most vulnerable in the Greater Nashua region and beyond, ensuring that clients were not asked to pay more than what insurance covered.
Home health care services provided by Healthy At Home included skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and daily-living care. These services were crucial for individuals recovering from acute illnesses or injuries, allowing them to avoid costly stays at skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities. Trained home health aides and personal care service providers supported clients with tasks ranging from health monitoring to meal preparation, helping them stay comfortably and safely in their homes.
As part of the Harbor Care network, Healthy At Home had access to a wide range of health and human services that complemented their home care offerings. Clients could benefit from supportive housing, substance use treatment, primary and behavioral healthcare, and HIV/AIDS case management integrated within their homecare plans. This integrated care approach addressed all threats to clients' dignity, independence, and health, making it a unique model in the healthcare industry. With home care being a more cost-effective option compared to assisted living or rehabilitation facilities, Healthy At Home played a crucial role in curbing the costs and challenges associated with end-of-life care, especially in a state like New Hampshire that is rapidly aging.