What Does a Home Health Nurse Do On Their Visits?

When an older relative experiences a change in health or needs to recover after surgery, many families take the responsibility of caring for their loved one upon themselves. Home health nurses provide families with additional support so that their loved ones can continue living in their home. 

Nurses take a personal and individualized approach to each patient in order to help enhance their quality of life and well-being.  We want the patient’s focus to be on recovering while we coordinate with the care team. 

The Bethany Village team has deep knowledge focused on the health and wellness of older adults. Not only do we assist with a care plan, we also work with caregivers and families to educate them on ways to better care for their loved one.  

What is Home Healthcare?

Many older adults prefer staying in their homes as they age, but may need extra help in order to do so. Home healthcare is a service that brings medical and therapeutic care directly to a patient’s home. This allows for personalized and convenient care for anyone, but can be particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty leaving their homes due to illness, disability, or age-related issues. 

Home healthcare services encompass a wide range of medical and non-medical support. These services include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social services. The goal is to maintain or improve the patient’s health and quality of life.

For family caregivers, home healthcare offers peace of mind. They know that their loved ones are receiving professional and compassionate care without the need for hospital stays or frequent clinic visits. Home healthcare also allows them to stay actively involved in the care process.

Duties & Responsibilities of a Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses wear many hats, each geared towards ensuring comprehensive care for their patients. While the services you require for your loved one are specific and tailored to their needs, home health nurses often have a wide range of competencies, including:

• Medical Assessments and Monitoring. This includes checking vital signs, monitoring chronic conditions, and evaluating the patient’s health. Regular monitoring helps in the early detection of potential health issues and ensures timely interventions.
• Medication Management. Nurses ensure that medications are taken as prescribed, educate patients and caregivers about them, and track any side effects. This reduces the risk of medication errors and enhances treatment efficacy.
• Wound Care and Dressing Changes. Nurses clean and dress wounds, monitor healing, and take preventive measures to avoid infections, which is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery. This personalized attention accelerates the healing process and minimizes complications.
• Disease Education and Self-Care Training. Educate patients and caregivers about managing chronic diseases, recognizing symptoms, and practicing self-care. Empowering patients with knowledge improves their ability to manage their health effectively.

Overall, home health care nurses commit to providing faithful care, striving to enrich and support their patients’ lives through expertise, compassion, and companionship.

Home Health Care Services

Since each individual’s healthcare needs are unique to their situation, the services offered by home health nurses are also vast and varied. However, many of these services fall into one of three categories: nursing services, medical social services, and licensed therapy services.

Skilled nursing services provide support with the following:

• Acute & chronic illness
• Alzheimer’s & dementia care
• Cancer care & chemotherapy
• Behavioral health & psychiatric nursing
• Infusion therapy
• Vital monitoring
• Oxygen setup and support
• Post-surgery care
• Wound care
• Fall recovery & prevention

Medical social services offer:

• Advocacy for patients, helping to communicate their needs and any issues that may affect their care to the healthcare team
• Referrals to helpful community resources (e.g., healthy meals, transportation or social outlets like a local senior center)
• One-on-one education about health and wellness tailored to patient’s needs, home routines and goals
• Help to access financial assistance and health insurance coverage
• Caregiver education and support
• Counseling for emotional or mental health concerns
• Support with coping skills
• Help with planning for long-term care

Licensed therapy services include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy / Swallowing therapy

What Does a Typical House Visit Look Like?

A typical home health nurse visit is structured to address various aspects of patient care. Since home health nurses tailor their visits for each patient, these visits can look very different. You can speak with a home health care provider to learn more about what a visit could look like for your loved one; however, typically, during a visit, you can expect:

1. Initial Assessment and Planning. The visit usually begins with an initial assessment. The nurse reviews the patient’s medical history, health status, and recent changes. This information helps create a personalized care plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
2. Physical Examination and Vital Signs Check. The nurse performs a physical examination and checks vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. These measurements provide valuable patient health insights and help track progress.
3. Treatments and Interventions. Based on the assessment, the nurse administers treatments and interventions. This may include administering medications, performing wound care, providing physical therapy exercises, or assisting with mobility. 
4. Patient and Caregiver Education. The nurse explains the care plan, provides instructions for managing health conditions, and answers patient or caregiver questions. This ensures that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities.
5. Documentation and Follow-Up. Documenting all observations, treatments, and instructions ensures accurate medical records. The nurse also schedules the next visit and includes contact information for immediate concerns.

Advantages of Home Visits

Receiving care in the comfort of one’s own home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Patients are surrounded by familiar surroundings, which can positively impact their mental and emotional well-being and enhance the effectiveness of treatments.

Home visits also eliminate the need for patients to travel to healthcare facilities, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions. This convenience ensures that patients receive timely care without the hassle of transportation and waiting rooms.Bethany Village Home Health Care knows that every individual is different and needs to be treated as such, especially when it comes to at-home care. Contact us today to see how we can help care for you in the comfort of your own home.