What are Some Instances of Home Health Care?

Home health care focuses on assisting you in recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. Typically, the services are prescribed by a physician and paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. It can also assist seniors in the remaining home rather than entering a hospital or long-term care facility. This can be especially advantageous for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, or HIV/AIDS.

Home health aides assist seniors and other patients with daily activities such as bathing and getting dressed. In addition, they assist with meal preparation, transportation to medical appointments, and other duties. They are supervised by a registered nurse or another medical practitioner who prescribes their services. Some home health aides provide skilled services, including wound care and physical or occupational therapy.

In May 2020, there will be more than 3.5 million home health aide jobs in the United States, up from 3.3 million in May 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33 percent increase in home health aides by 2030.

Home health nurses provide care that patients may not be able to receive in a hospital or other medical facility. Their services include wound care, pain management, medication administration, and other treatments.

Most professionals in this field are registered nurses but licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants can also work as home health nurses. To practice, they must meet certification and licensing requirements in their respective states, and a registered nurse typically supervises them.

As a home health nurse, you are responsible for taking vital signs, monitoring and reporting on the patient's condition, administering medication, and keeping accurate records. Your job entails educating patients and their families about disease prevention and recovery techniques. You must advocate for the patient and communicate with the physician as required.

Home health therapists assist patients in recovering from illness or injury in the comfort of their residences. They follow the patient's care plan under the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and transportation. They may also administer medication and other treatments.

Typically, they work for a Medicare-contracting home health agency. This indicates that they are trained to offer skilled nursing and therapy services. However, they also provide non-medical assistance with meal preparation, shopping, and housekeeping. They are sometimes referred to as companion or personal care aide care.

Home health therapists can work in various environments, from small, local private practices to larger, national agencies. This is an excellent option for many PTs, particularly those who wish to expand their clientele, including those who prefer home visits.

You will provide services and support to clients in their homes as a home health aide. Depending on your client's needs, you will monitor their vital signs, assist with personal care tasks such as bathing and dressing, and administer medications. You may also assist them with grocery shopping, cooking, and household chores. Because you may need to lift, move, or transfer a patient, good physical health is required for these tasks.

Numerous patients utilize adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, to facilitate their daily activities. They may also require assistance with medical equipment, such as an oxygen tank or an infusion pump. A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse (LPN) supervises home health aides and provides them with a care plan that includes detailed instructions for each task. They must adhere to these instructions to protect themselves from liability and ensure the safety of their patients.