Home Health Care Can Be Provided By A Nurse

Home Health Care provides health care services to patients at their homes, such as medical treatment, wound care, therapy and help with errands and housekeeping. It can also include adaptive equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs and canes, and help with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming.

Home health care can be provided by a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, and social worker. Other healthcare professionals who may visit a home health patient include dietitians, pharmacists and lab technicians who can perform certain tests at the home of the patient, such as blood and urine samples. Medicine and supplies, including IV fluids, are also delivered in the home.

During an interview, ask the potential home health care provider about their work experience and how they can help your loved one. Also, consider how well they get along with other staff members, and how much flexibility there is in scheduling.

The types of home health care available vary, depending on a patient’s specific needs and disease or injury. In addition to medical care, many seniors need assistance with personal care, such as helping with bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Others need transportation to and from appointments, shopping and running errands.

Those who are home bound due to illness or injury can benefit from Northeast Ohio Home Health Care, which can be less expensive and more convenient than a stay in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility. Typically, when an individual discharges from the hospital and has a doctor’s order for home health care, they will be given a list of Medicare-certified agencies to choose from. Upon choosing an agency, the home health agency will send a home health assessment to the client’s home and create a plan of care for the patient.

Once the home health care plan is established, a nurse or other healthcare professional will visit the client on a regular basis to assess the patient’s condition and ensure their treatment is working. The healthcare professional will check the patient’s weight, temperature, heart rate and oxygen level. They will also make sure the patient is following their doctor or allowed practitioner’s orders by taking their medications correctly and completing any therapies at home.

The best way to find a reliable and trustworthy home health care company is to ask for referrals from family, friends and other trusted sources. Once you’ve narrowed down the options, do a thorough background check on the potential company, which includes checking references and a criminal background check. Be sure to ask about emergency training and whether they provide continuing education for their employees. This helps them keep up to date on current best practices for caregiving and allows the caregiver to build their healthcare skillsets.