Home health care nurse provides vital service prescribed by doctors to ensure patients receive essential care in the comfort of their own homes. This type of nursing caters to both elderly and younger patients, offering crucial support during recovery from illness, surgery, or injury. At ProCare Home Health, our home health nurses also specialize in managing chronic conditions like COPD, diabetes, and heart failure. They bring the same level of care and compassion as hospital nurses but in a more personal, home-based setting.
What is a Home Health Nurse?
Home health nurses are licensed medical professionals who deliver healthcare services directly to patients at home. These professionals include Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide intermittent skilled nursing care based on patient needs.
If you require in-home medical care and meet specific eligibility criteria, skilled nursing home care can be a beneficial option for you.
Where Do Home Health Nurses Work?
Home health nurses primarily work in patients’ homes. They may also provide services in senior living communities or group homes. Many of these nurses are employed by agencies like ProCare Home Health, which assign them to patients. These nurses travel to their patients’ homes to deliver prescribed care.
What Does a Home Health Nurse Do?
Home health nurses mainly care for seniors eligible for home health care, but they are also adept at treating individuals with chronic illnesses, medical conditions, or cognitive impairments. Depending on the patient’s needs and doctor’s orders, the services provided by home health nurses can include:
- Collaborating with doctors to create personalized care plans
- Educating patients and caregivers about conditions and care requirements
- Providing dietary guidance
- Conducting thorough physical assessments
- Monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure
- Managing medications and ensuring proper administration
- Performing injections, in-home IV therapy, or tube feedings
- Managing medical devices like chest tubes and catheters
- Preventing infections and providing wound care
- Assisting with rehabilitation post-surgery or injury
- Listening to and addressing family caregivers’ concerns
- Regularly updating doctors and caregivers on patient progress
At ProCare Home Health we employ behavioral health nurses who support patients with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
What to Expect from a Home Health Nurse Visit
Home health nurse visits typically start with an assessment of the patient’s condition. During the initial visit, nurses provide patients with detailed information about their health conditions and how home health care works. Patients are guided on when to contact their home health team and when to seek emergency assistance. The initial visit generally lasts from one to three hours and includes a series of questions to understand the patient’s needs better.
Patients can expect inquiries about:
- Current medications and how they are managed
- Support systems at home
- Dietary habits
- Symptoms and overall health goals
Nurses will review medications, check vital signs, and ask about pain levels, appetite, sleep quality, and any recent falls. They will communicate regularly with the patient’s doctor and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.
The frequency of nurse visits depends on the patient’s needs and doctor’s orders, ranging from multiple visits a week to less frequent check-ins once the patient’s condition stabilizes.
Home Health Nursing Care Cost
In-home nursing care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans, making it a cost-effective option for many families. If additional services are required, such as home health aides, social work services, or therapy, these can also be ordered by a doctor.
Is Home Care Nursing Right for Me?
Most people prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible. To determine if home care nursing is right for you, consider whether you meet the eligibility criteria for home health care, which includes being homebound, requiring skilled nursing or therapy, being under a doctor’s care, and receiving care from a Medicare-certified agency.
Benefits of Home Health Care Nursing
ProCare Home Health nurses are dedicated to bringing healing and comfort to patients within their homes. The benefits of home health care nursing include:
A Team Dedicated to You
Home health nurses focus solely on the patient and their caregiver during visits, providing personalized care. By seeing the patient’s daily life, nurses can identify additional needs that might otherwise go unnoticed.
24/7 Help for Urgent Needs
A registered nurse is on call 24/7 to address any urgent needs that may arise.
Smooth Coordination With Your Doctor
Home nurses maintain clear communication with doctors to ensure the patient receives the necessary care.
Specialized Education and Training
ProCare Home Health nurses are highly educated and continuously trained professionals, equipped with specialized knowledge to keep patients safe and healthy.
A Caring Advocate
Home health nurses offer emotional support and attentive care, known for their compassion, patience, and dedication to making a difference in their patients’ lives.
Improved Health
Regular check-ins and monitoring by home health nurses help patients manage their health better, promoting recovery, preventing disability, and improving overall quality of life.
Improved Quality of Life
Home health care can help patients stay safe, avoid unnecessary hospital trips, and delay or prevent the need for nursing home care.
How to Hire a Nurse for Home Care
If you or a loved one needs in-home nursing care, ProCare Home Health has skilled nurses ready to help. Meeting the eligibility requirements and getting a doctor’s order for in-home services can set you on the path to receiving personalized care at home.
At ProCare Home Health, we specialize in creating tailored care plans to meet your family’s needs. Contact us today to ensure your parents receive the best possible care while maintaining their independence.
