In recent years, India has been experiencing a rapid evolution in healthcare provision, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic. The new India prefers the convenience and comfort of home over hospitals for its healthcare needs.
The primary reasons for this paradigm shift towards home-based care in India is about:
1. Accessibility: Preference for personalized home-based care over hospital services due to rise in elderly population in India
2. Affordability: Rising cost of prolonged hospital stays and burden on hospital infrastructure and services
3. Availability: Higher prevalence of lifestyle diseases prompting specialized and personalized healthcare. As well as a boom in health awareness due to social media and technology
Medbound Times connected with Dr. Syed Asif Basha, PhD Scholar & MPT in Neuro Sciences, HoD/ Professor, Dept. of Neuro-Physiotherapy, Navodaya College of Physiotherapy, Raichur. He has experience of more than 15 years in the field of neuro physiotherapy, which involves more than 2000 patients in hospital and home-based care. He highlighted the potential rise in home-based care in India, which has helped families and individuals experience personalized care. He also stressed the importance of competent home care to ensure the highest quality of care for loved ones.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, defines home-based care in India or home care as “Health care or supportive care provided by a professional caregiver in the individual's home where the patient or client is living.” This particularly involves elderly care at home, but may also include any individual requiring support for daily activities during recovery from an illness or after surgery.
Home-based care in India is provided by healthcare and non-healthcare professionals, such as
1. Physicians
2. Nurses
3. Physiotherapists
4. Occupational therapists
5. Companions and assistants
The professionals mentioned above provide care tailored to individual health concerns and needs. This care can be a limited, goal-based session or 24/7, continual care. Individuals undergoing home-based care can improve the efficiency of their treatment and medical care provided by practicing the following easy-to-do home physiotherapy exercises.
Professional physical and occupational therapists provide tailored therapy sessions in line with the patient’s needs. While these sessions are time-constrained, certain home physiotherapy exercises can be performed by the patient under the guidance of a caregiver.
Squats using a chair
Also known as sit-to-stand exercise, squats using chair support help increase independence in elderly individuals as well as improve back and lower limb muscle strength. To perform this exercise, sit on a sturdy chair. Holding the chair on both sides, try to get up and stand straight. One may also stand facing the chair and perform supported squats(stand-to-sit action).
Push-ups on the wall
Push-ups or pushing oneself up from the floor can be performed while undergoing home-based care by standing straight against a wall. Push, lean, and return while maintaining hand contact with the wall. Push, lean and try to come back while maintaining hand contact with the wall. This exercise enhances arm and hand strength for daily activities and the use of a walking aid.
Walking in a straight line
Balance and coordination exercises are important recovery exercises at home. An easy exercise in this regard is to walk in a straight line. Keep the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot and continue to do so in a straight line on the floor. This can be done with or without support.
Leg lifts in sitting
Leg strength and endurance form an important aspect of recovery during rehabilitation. It can be improved through seated leg lifts. Start by sitting on a sturdy chair. Raise the lower leg below the knee and straighten it. Take the leg down.
Breathing exercises
Optimal oxygen within the body accelerates healing and recovery. Breathing also helps one stay calm and focused to perform exercises and daily activities. A simple breathing exercise includes breathing through the nose while inflating the stomach and breathing out through the mouth.
Along with exercises, experts recommend simple modifications in the individual's surrounding environment. These modifications are not only helpful and provide a safe home environment for patients, but also improve the efficiency of the individual as well as caregivers, contributing to their physical and mental well-being.
Please note: The above exercises are general recommendations for individuals in home-based care. The exercises may vary or need to be modified as per individual capabilities and needs, and should only be done in consultation with a physician or a physical therapist.
Mental health is an overlooked aspect in home-based care in India. Individuals in home care are frequently found to suffer from mental health issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, confusion, and memory loss.
These issues hold equal importance to physical health. Alongside physical exercises, medical professionals and caregivers should aim for a holistic approach involving compassionate care, open discussions and social interaction, regular mental health assessment, and interactive activities.
Home-based care in India provides healthcare services in the convenience and comfort of a patient’s or individual’s home, but the patient, the caregiver, and family members should watch out for any warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention. These include an increase in the severity or frequency of symptoms; a decline in physical or cognitive health; unstable vitals, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate; mental health issues; and sudden inability to walk or stand without support. One must call for medical help immediately and refrain from self-medication or self-exercise modifications.
References:
HealthinAging.org
HealthinAging.org. “Home Health Care.” Accessed December 2, 2025. https://www.healthinaging.org/age-friendly-healthcare-you/care-settings/home-health-care
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Types of Home Health Care Services.” Accessed December 2, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/caregiving/types-of-home-health-care-services
Continental Hospitals. “Best Exercise Routine for Seniors at Home.” Accessed December 2, 2025. https://www.continentalhospitals.com/blog/best-exercise-routine-for-seniors-at-home/
Zorgers. “Mental Health and Home Healthcare: Addressing Psychological Needs at Home.” Accessed December 2, 2025. https://www.zorgers.com/blog/mental-health-and-home-healthcare-addressing-psychological-needs-at-home/
Edited by Dr. Shikhar Dabas
MSM