A home visit from a nurse is a valuable tool that can be used to determine the health and wellness of an individual. The visit can also predict future problems and help stop them before they occur. During a home visit, I will look at the overall cleanliness of the home. This is important because it demonstrates if the patient is being well cared for and if she can care for herself. When visiting clients in their homes you can never be sure of what you are going to learn about them.
When choosing the right person to care for you or your loved one there are many options to choose from. When coming to a decision that is right for you one of the most important questions you should ask your physician is "Do I, or my loved one, need a skilled nurse?"
A nurse that comes to your home is different from a home health aide, contrary to a friend visiting you, and unlike a phone call from a family member to “check in”. When choosing the correct caregiver there are many factors to consider.
A bedsore is a wound that is caused by sustained pressure. Pressure damages the skin when you stay in any one position for a long period of time. Reduced blood circulation to this area of the skin can cause the skin cells to “die” and eventually cause a sore.
Any person who stays in one position for a prolonged period of time either sitting, lying or standing is at risk of developing bedsores. A person who is bed-bound, or even a mobile person who doesn’t spend a lot of time in bed, can develop bedsore if they remain in one position for too long.
Everyone needs help at one time or another. Some people need a little bit of help getting to their appointments or enjoy company when they go out for lunch. Other people need help with their personal care or general assistance in their home. Support may have different timelines: temporary, after hospitalization or fall; or long-term, due to a chronic illness or diagnosis.
Regardless of the situation, a caregiver may be the answer.
A caregiver is a trained professional who provides many different levels of assistance to an individual, catering to their needs and preferences. A home health aide is a caregiver who is certified by the Department of Health.
