The range of home health care services that a patient can receive at home is limitless. Depending on the patient's individual situation, care can range from nursing care to specialized medical services, such as laboratory studies. You and your doctor will determine your care plan and the services you need at home. Home care services may include:
Medical care
A physician may visit a patient at home to diagnose and treat an illness. He may also periodically review the health care needs of the home.
Nursing care
The most common form of home health care is some type of nursing care that depends on the person's needs. With the doctor's advice, a registered nurse will create a plan of care. Nursing care may include wound dressings, ostomy care, intravenous therapy, medication administration, monitoring of the patient's general health, pain management, and other health-related support.
Physical, occupational and/or speech therapy
Some patients may need help relearning to do daily tasks or improve their speech after an illness or injury. A physical therapist can develop a plan of care to help the patient regain or strengthen the use of muscles and joints.
An occupational therapist can help a patient with a physical, developmental, social, or emotional disability learn how to perform daily tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc. A speech therapist can help a patient with speech problems regain the ability to communicate clearly.
Medical social services
Clinical social workers provide a variety of services to the patient, including counseling and locating community resources to support the patient's recovery.
Home health aide care
Home health aides can assist the patient with basic personal needs, such as getting out of bed, walking, bathing, and dressing. Some aides have specialized training to provide more specialized care under the supervision of a nurse.
Homemaker or primary aide care
When a patient is receiving health care at home, a homemaker or maid can take care of the house with meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and other household items.
Fellowship
Some patients who are home alone may need a companion to provide comfort and supervision. Some companions may also perform household chores.
Voluntary care
Volunteers from community organizations can provide basic support to the patient through companionship, personal care assistance, transportation, emotional support, and/or paperwork assistance.
Nutritional support
Dietitians can come to the patient's home to provide nutritional assessment and guidance to support a treatment plan.
Laboratory images and X-rays
Some laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, can be done in the comfort of the patient's home.
Pharmaceutical Services
Medicines and medical supplies can be delivered to your home. If the patient needs it, training about taking medications or using equipment, including IV therapy, can be provided.
Transporting
There are companies that provide transportation for patients who need transportation to and from a medical facility for treatment or physical examinations.
Home delivered food
Often referred to as Meals on Wheels, many communities offer this service at home to patients who are unable to cook for themselves. Depending on the needs of the individual, hot meals may be delivered several times a week.
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