Health support refers to an assortment of services and professionals that assist individuals in managing their own healthcare, from direct patient care, administrative assistance, health education programs and advocacy to patient advocacy services.
These roles include nurses, medical assistants and therapists who provide direct treatment. Furthermore, administrative support roles such as medical office administrators or health information technicians who manage scheduling, billing and coding may also play an integral part.
Self-care interventions
Self-care interventions are key components of reaching universal health coverage (UHC), as outlined by Sustainable Development Goal 3. They complement rather than replace healthcare services and enable individuals to manage their own health more independently. But implementing self-care tools may not always be straightforward depending on context and population group; cultural barriers may prohibit some from using these tools while health worker remuneration schemes could disincentivise them from supporting people with their self-care needs.
This guideline seeks to provide normative guidance for the implementation and promotion of self-care interventions, with an eye towards normative guidance on primary healthcare strategies, comprehensive essential service packages and people-centredness as underlying principles. It presents key considerations, good practice statements and country recommendations relating to these initiatives. Furthermore, this document serves as a bridging language between researchers, policy-makers, programme managers, donors and health workers involved in these endeavors and those engaging with self-care interventions in general.
Support groups
Support groups may be invaluable resources when dealing with health conditions, life transitions or illnesses. Support groups provide encouragement, emotional support and practical advice; as well as information and education. Support groups can be found both physically or online. Some are run by professionals such as health care providers or social workers while others by nonprofit advocacy organizations or clinics or hospitals.
Support groups offer members a safe environment in which to share their experiences in an atmosphere that fosters communication. Furthermore, this shared experience creates bonds of empathy that reduce stigma associated with mental health struggles. However, support groups should not be seen as replacements for professional counseling and therapy services and participants should remain cautious not to discuss private matters outside of the group setting.
Counselling
Professional counselors provide a safe, nonjudgmental space in which to express your emotions. They can also help develop new coping skills and address the root causes of your issues by asking you about your lifestyle and relationships to identify any underlying problems.
Therapists encourage their clients to open up about their troubles and listen closely. Once a problem has been identified, the therapist uses his/her knowledge and skill to assess it and set goals to overcome or reconcile with it.
Counseling is one of many talking therapies available through the NHS. You can access it if you are registered with a GP and aged 18 (or 16 in certain areas). Private counselling may also be available; for this option it should be on a recognized professional register; it is wise to shop around until finding one who suits your needs best.
Home care
Home care services provide an invaluable way to extend independence in those living independently at home, while meeting medical needs. Home health services may also reduce hospital admissions or readmissions by helping with daily tasks like bathing and grooming, social support or assistance with medications.
Home health care services can be found through licensed home care service agencies (LHCSAs). These providers provide home nursing and non-medical personal assistance services in addition to contracting by consumers or through public funding programs.
Consumers typically require their doctor’s referral in order to access home health services. Certain states offer programs like Medicare and Medicaid to pay for this care. Furthermore, some people have long-term care insurance plans that cover this service as well. When making their choice about these programs it is wise to investigate all available payment options as well as benefits before making their final choice.
