Home health care is a branch of home care that extends beyond routine tasks like housekeeping and laundry. Nurses come to your parents' home to help with care needs that require medical training. Learn about six of the most common nursing services requested by families.
Catheter Care
If your mom or dad is sent home from the hospital to recover from certain surgeries, a Foley catheter may be inserted and need care. The collection bag needs to be emptied and replaced. The drain port must be kept sterile.
Home health care nurses are trained to do this. You may be offered the chance to help your parent, but it requires attention a minimum of every couple of hours. It's also important to keep hands and equipment sterile to prevent infection. That can be challenging when you have no experience in catheter care.
IVs and Injections
Some medications are given through an IV or shot. With home health care services. IV infusions are properly administered. If injections are necessary, you don't have to worry about learning how to do it. You can have a nurse help your parent with IV antibiotics, pain medications, insulin, and other necessary medications or fluids.
Pain Management
A number of older adults experience pain on a regular basis. Home care nurses help with pain management. Services include medication management and IV medications and physical therapy sessions within the home.
Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, your parent needs to follow the doctor's orders. It may be limiting activities or making sure your mom or dad gets up and walks around each hour.
Wound care and bandage changes are important. Nurses can remove bandages, check for infection, clean the incision, and cover it with a new bandage. Post-surgical care can also involve IV medications and fluids, catheters, and changes like new diets.
Vital Signs
Home health care nurses can stop by each day to check your parent's vital signs. Blood pressure readings and pulse are common. Their doctor may also recommend having your parent's oxygen levels or blood sugar levels monitored each day.
Wound Care
Your dad is diabetic and ended up with a sore on his foot that became badly infected. Home health care nurses can clean a wound, give the doctor update on how things are progressing, and ensure antibiotics are taken on time. Nurses can care for any wound whether it's from surgery or an accident.
Call a home health care agency about the medical care your mom or dad requires. Specialists will help you understand what services meet your parent's needs and what schedule is best suited to that care. Learn more about prices, too.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care in East Millcreek, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
