housebound

Housebound is an adjective used to describe a person who is largely confined to their home and does not regularly leave the residence due to health, disability, age, or other factors. The condition can result from chronic illness, recovery from surgery, mobility impairment, frailty, or cognitive or mental health difficulties. Environmental barriers, such as unsafe neighborhoods, lack of transportation, or inaccessible housing, can also contribute to being housebound. In social service and healthcare contexts, housebound status may be assessed to determine eligibility for in-home care, home health services, meal delivery, or transportation assistance, and to plan tailored support.

Impact and needs: prolonged limitation on leaving home can lead to social isolation, reduced access to preventive care, and challenges in maintaining daily activities. Interventions often combine in-home medical or nursing visits, home-based rehabilitation or therapy, assistive devices, home modifications for safety, and support from carers, family, or community programs. Telemedicine and remote social services are increasingly used to mitigate access barriers for housebound individuals.

Examples: elderly people with limited mobility; patients recovering from surgery or illness; individuals with chronic disabilities; residents in environments that hinder mobility.

Relation to other terms: housebound is distinct from house arrest or legal status, though it may be used in clinical, social care, or policy contexts.