Which of the following is a stated goal of home health care?

• A. Increase survival
• B. Decrease caregiver involvement
• C. Increase hospital stay
• D. Reduce home safety

Answer: (A)

Home health care aims to improve patient outcomes by delivering skilled care and continuous monitoring in the home, so problems can be detected early and treated promptly without requiring hospitalization. This approach directly supports survival: by managing oxygen therapy, airway clearance, medications, and device use at home, clinicians can prevent complications, minimize deterioration, and reduce the need for urgent hospital-based care. It also helps keep vulnerable children stable after discharge, which contributes to longer-term survival and better overall outcomes.

Caregiver involvement is a central part of home health care—families are educated and empowered to participate in ongoing care, rather than being sidelined. The goal is not to decrease caregiver involvement. Increasing hospital stay would run counter to the purpose of home health care, which is to safely manage care at home and avoid unnecessary hospitalization. Reducing home safety would also be opposite to the aim, as improving safety at home is essential to delivering effective care outside the hospital.