Non-Medical Home Health Care Is Not A Replacement For Nursing Care

Home health care is often provided by a Medicare-approved agency, and is a way to help people stay in their own homes after being released from the hospital. This type of care helps them heal and regain their independence while receiving treatment for a chronic disease or illness, such as heart failure, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or stroke. It also alleviates the burden on family caretakers by providing nursing services and rehabilitative therapies.

Before you hire someone to provide home healthcare, make sure the company is licensed by your state. Most agencies seek additional accreditation to assure consumers that they meet quality standards. Check with your state health department or your insurance provider for more information.

Medical home health care is prescribed by a doctor and typically involves a registered nurse or physical, occupational or speech therapist. During a home visit, the home health care team can evaluate your symptoms, teach you and your caregivers how to manage your disease or condition, and perform tests on your blood, urine and breathing. It can also advise you on home modifications, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or stairways, and on equipment, such as oxygen, that might be needed to support your recovery.

Non-medical home health care is not a replacement for nursing care, but rather provides assistance with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, shopping and running errands. It can also include help with meals, laundry and housekeeping. You can find non-medical home health aides through employment agencies or by asking for referrals from friends and family members.

Many patients who require home health care are discharged from the hospital after having surgery or a hospital stay for an illness, such as pneumonia or heart attack. They may need short-term, intermittent skilled care to recover from the illness and learn how to cope with the condition at home. Unlike private duty nurses, home health care providers are specially trained to deal with seniors.

Before hiring someone to provide home health care, ask for references from previous employers or colleagues. Talking with these people can confirm positive impressions, give you insight into the worker’s work ethic and reliability, and alert you to red flags. You should also check with your local law enforcement office to ensure that the person has not been convicted of certain crimes, such as robbery or violent felonies.

The number of Northeast Ohio Home Health Care visits varies, but in general a nurse or therapist will come to your home on a regular basis to monitor your condition. During these visits, they should check your vital signs and make sure you are following the doctor’s instructions regarding diet, medications and exercise, and that your home is safe for you to live in. They should also keep your doctor informed of your progress. This type of monitoring is essential to prevent complications and ensure that your health is improving.