During the month of May, don’t forget to celebrate the fantastic folks who serve as angels on Earth—our nurses! In our fast-paced world, convenience is key. For that very reason, you’ll find nurses working in schools, private office buildings, satellite clinics, behind cameras, on the phone, and in the most comfortable place of all: home! Let’s dive into the work of home health nurses to get a glimpse into how they’re helping patients thrive.
Home Health Nursing
Just like it sounds, home health services provide care where you feel your best—at home. Home health nurses help coordinate the patient care needed for people to succeed while they manage a severe injury, temporary illness, or long-term health condition. They manage everything from taking the patient’s vitals to providing helpful tips and tricks on managing conditions.
Home Health Nurses Offer:
- 24-hour on-call availability
- Rehab nursing
- Medication management & education
- Patient and family education
- Wound care
What’s Considered a Home, and Who Qualifies for Home Healthcare?
Home health nurses can provide services in private residences and congregate settings like senior living communities. While many senior living communities also have staff nurses on-site, skilled nursing from a home healthcare agency is considered extra—it’s typically beyond the scope of nursing care already being provided and offered to treat a serious condition or to help prevent one.
Patients receiving home health services must be considered “homebound,” which means any absences from the home are infrequent, short, and require a taxing effort. Patients may still leave their homes to meet medical needs (e.g., doctor appointments, dialysis, etc.).
A medical doctor orders home healthcare following an office visit to determine needs. It’s sometimes ordered after a hospitalization due to an injury or acute illness.
Medicare is a typical pay source for home health services, but it depends on each patient’s circumstances and any additional insurance they may have. Medicaid and other insurance can also cover home health services.
Some patients qualify for home health care, while others may require more extensive oversight. Doctors can recommend skilled nursing facilities for those who wouldn’t be safe receiving care at home.
Skilled Nursing Facilities Vs Home Health?
Skilled nursing facilities, aka “nursing homes,” are typically reserved for those with complex medical needs requiring high daily care and supervision. A skilled nursing facility has a registered nurse in the building all 24-hours a day.
While a skilled nursing facility might sound like the most comprehensive option for care, not everyone qualifies, requires, or chooses it. Because not everyone wants to move, home health can bridge the healthcare gap that some patients need to succeed in living at home as long as possible.
Common Conditions Supported by Home Health:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- CHF
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Stroke
- Recovery after surgery
- Frequent falls
These conditions can be complex, especially when combined with other health problems. If they’re left untreated or poorly managed, patients living with them can struggle to stay in their homes. They may also face a revolving door at their doctor’s office, the ER, and the hospital. With the help of home health nurses, patients can gain confidence and understanding about how to live with their condition safely.
Common Patient Outcomes:
- Maintaining or regaining independence
- Reducing hospitalizations/visits to the ER
- Learning to live with chronic illnesses
- Improving the overall quality of life
Home health nurses can give patients hope and peace of mind to be safe, comfortable, and healthy at home. If you want to learn how CaringEdge’s home health nurses could help you or someone you know live better at home, email us at info@caringedge.com.