Health and wellness tips are a dime a dozen lately, but knowing which ones are right for our own unique lives can be difficult. Let’s face it: years of wear and tear, combined with lifestyle habits, can take a toll, especially after retirement. If managing your health and daily activities at home is becoming more challenging, exploring home health services could be just the support you need to feel your best!
Best of all, to qualify for home health, you don’t have to wait until a crisis happens! If you’re beginning to notice subtle changes in your health, you’re struggling to do tasks, or you’ve been given a new diagnosis like diabetes, COPD, or chronic kidney disease, speak with your primary care provider. You may qualify for services; best of all, they’re available right in the comfort of your home!
What is a Home Health Assessment?
If you are approved for home health, a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed therapy professional (physical, occupational, or speech therapist) will visit your home to get to know you. They’ll ask questions about your health, habits, and personal goals.
The visit isn’t about judgment or receiving a lecture about your preferences—it’s about understanding you. When your team gets to know you, they can help create a care plan to meet your specific goals.
Here’s what your home health assessment will discuss:
Physical Health
Aside from having your vitals checked, you might be asked the following:
- Do you experience pain regularly?
- How severe is it?
- Does your pain or overall health limit your ability to leave home?
- Does your pain impact your sleep?
- Do you use durable medical equipment like a cane, walker, or shower chair?
- Can you move safely in and out of bed or a chair?
- What are your current and past health conditions (have you previously had surgeries, do you have allergies, etc)?
Current Medications
- What prescriptions do you take, and when?
- Do you recognize your medications and store them safely?
- Do you remember to take your meds as prescribed?
- Do you experience side effects?
- Which pharmacy do you use, and do you manage refills on your own?
Daily Living & Mobility
- Can you move around your home safely?
- Do you drive, and if not, how do you get to appointments?
- Can you bathe, dress, and use the restroom independently?
- Do you do your own shopping, or does someone help?
Cognitive & Mental Health
- Do you experience forgetfulness?
- Are you able to manage finances and decision-making?
- Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed?
Why a Home Health Assessment Matters
A home health assessment helps identify potential risks and creates a personalized plan to help you stay independent. Whether your goal is preventing falls, managing medications, or improving daily habits, home health services can help you live safely at home for as long as possible.
Without proper support, common issues like poor nutrition, medication mismanagement, or injuries can lead to serious complications—including hospitalization or nursing home stays. If you want to maintain independence at home but are starting to struggle, home health could be the missing piece you need to continue living right where you are.
Take Control of Your Health from Home with CaringEdge!
We offer home health and therapies to help our patients get stronger, reduce their pain, and help them live safely in the way they want to live. Our patients are our purpose. Learn more by emailing us at info@caringedge.com.