In-Home Nursing

In-home nursing provides skilled nursing in the comfort and familiar surroundings of one’s own home. Rather than being moved to a skilled nursing facility , patients can enjoy the familiarity and comfort of their own home while be cared for by a skilled professional.

In home healthcare should not to be confused with home care services ,which are non-medical services offering assistance with the needs of daily living. With home nursing care a treatment plan is developed with medical professionals working under the directions of the patient’s doctor. Skilled nursing care includes a wide range of medical care, including IV and medication monitoring, wound care, checking and monitoring vital signs, and pain management.

In-home skilled nursing is often used in tandem with physical and occupational therapy, which helps address all the needs of the patient. Whether it is long-term care for chronic illness or short-term care following surgery, the patient’s home is evaluated and modifications suggested. Home safety is extremely important in a senior’s recovery and on-going care. The nursing service sometimes requires special equipment, such as a hospital-type bed.

Because home healthcare is prescribed by a doctor, it often provides Medicare skilled nursing coverage and can be more cost effective in some cases than a Medicare skilled nursing facility. Generally the nurse’s visit follows a very specific regime and entails a few hours of care each day at most. It is rare for home nursing care to be around the clock. However, the nurse can provide invaluable service to the long-term health of the older patient by assessing the home atmosphere, which can have positive implications for both the patient’s physical and mental well being.

Trust and good rapport are important components of quality in-home nursing care. Because the services of home nursing are prescribed by a doctor, a company is often recommended by the doctor or hospital. However, it is important to understand the process and to have a good nurse-patient relationship. Don’t be afraid to do research, ask questions and request changes in personnel or services when needed.