First, it’s important to note that “homebound status” doesn’t mean a person never leaves the house. It simply means leaving the home requires “a considerable and taxing effort.” This includes the need for assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) and/or help from another person.
Also, “homebound status” can occur when leaving the home is against good medical advice because of the patient’s condition. A recent example would be the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, it was against good medical advice for older persons or those with compromised immune systems to leave their homes. This can still be the case with people taking immunosuppressants or are undergoing treatments that lower a patient’s immune system defenses, especially during times of year where there are upticks in cold, flu, and Covid infection rates.
“Homebound” patients can still go to church, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and family events, as they are only intermittent.
