Hospital in the Home: Why It’s the Future of Recovery Care

Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing, and so is the way we support recovery. More and more patients are finding that the best place to heal isn’t always in a hospital—it’s at home. Hospital in the Home (HITH) is reshaping recovery care by delivering hospital-level treatment where patients feel safest and most comfortable: in their own environment. 

With demand for flexible and person-centred care on the rise, this innovative model is quickly becoming a core part of the future of healthcare. 

What Is Hospital in the Home? 

HITH is a clinical model that enables patients to receive acute and complex care at home rather than in hospital. Unlike standard home visits, it involves a coordinated team of healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, and allied health specialists—delivering treatment that would otherwise require hospital admission. 

Services typically include: 

• Intravenous (IV) antibiotics and therapies 

• Wound care and post-operative support 

• Medication administration and monitoring 

• Chronic disease management 

• Complex nursing interventions 

This approach brings high-quality, continuous care into the home, helping patients recover more comfortably and safely without the disruption of a hospital stay. 

Why More Australians are Choosing HITH 

1. An Ageing Population Means Greater Need 

Australia is ageing. By 2057, more than 22% of the population will be over 65, up from just 15% in 2017 (ABS, 2019). As this demographic grows, so does the need for care options that are both accessible and tailored, especially for people living with chronic illnesses or mobility challenges. 

Hospital in the Home is uniquely positioned to meet these needs, providing a safe and effective alternative to long or frequent hospital admissions. 

2. Faster Recovery and Better Outcomes 

Data from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care shows that people recovering at home often experience: 

• Lower risk of hospital-acquired infections 

• Reduced anxiety and improved mental wellbeing 

• Greater satisfaction with their care experience 

• Shorter recovery times, particularly for older adults 

Being at home offers psychological and emotional benefits that can be just as important as clinical treatment. 

3. A Lifeline for People with Limited Mobility 

Getting to and from hospital appointments can be a major barrier to care, especially for those with mobility issues, disability, or limited transport options. With HITH, care comes to the patient, eliminating logistical hurdles and ensuring consistent treatment. 

4. Eases Pressure on the Healthcare System 

With many hospitals running at or near full capacity, Hospital in the Home helps ease the strain by reducing the number of inpatient admissions and shortening length of stay. According to a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, HITH can cut hospital stays by up to 30%, all while maintaining safety and quality standards. 

5. Supports Independence and Personalised Care 

One of the biggest advantages of HITH is its flexibility. Care plans can be tailored to each individual’s medical and personal needs—factoring in social supports, emotional wellbeing, and daily routines. This sense of autonomy and normalcy can be empowering, especially during recovery. 

A Model That’s Always Evolving 

Hospital in the Home isn’t just a short-term trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how healthcare is delivered. As digital tools like telehealth and remote monitoring improve, and as community care networks expand, HITH is becoming more advanced and more accessible. 

Government support, improved clinical protocols, and growing public demand for patient-centred care are all helping to cement HITH as a key pillar of modern Australian healthcare. 

The Future of Care Is Closer Than You Think 

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking for a more flexible approach to treatment, Hospital in the Home (HITH) offers a safe, clinically supported alternative to staying in hospital. 

Healing doesn’t need to happen under fluorescent lights or away from loved ones. With expert care delivered at home, you can recover in comfort—supported, secure, and on your own terms. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you or a loved one would benefit from Hospital in the Home, here’s how to take the next step: 

Talk to your GP or treating specialist 
Ask if you're eligible for HITH and let them know you're interested in receiving care at home. GPs and hospital teams can refer you directly to accredited providers like Lumia Care. 

Need support with the process? 
Our team can help explain what’s involved and work with your care provider to get things started. 

Contact us today to learn more about how Hospital in the Home works and whether it’s right for your situation.