The range of home health care services a patient can receive at home is limitless.
Depending on the individual patient’s situation, care can range from nursing care to
specialized medical services, such as laboratory workups. You and your doctor will
determine your care plan and services you may need at home.
Doctor care and Nursing care
A doctor may visit a patient at home to diagnose and treat the illness(es). He or she
may also periodically review the home health care needs.
The most common form of home health care is some type of nursing care
depending on the person’s needs. In consultation with the doctor, a registered
nurse will set up a plan of care. Nursing care may include wound dressing, ostomy
care, intravenous therapy, administering medication, monitoring the general health
of the patient, pain control, and other health support.
Physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy
Some patients may need help relearning how to perform daily duties or improve
their speech after an illness or injury. A physical therapist can put together a plan of
care to help a patient regain or strengthen use of muscles and joints. An
occupational therapist can help a patient with physical, developmental, social, or
emotional disabilities relearn how to perform such daily functions as eating,
bathing, dressing, and more. A speech therapist can help a patient with impaired
speech regain the ability to communicate clearly.
Care from home health aides and Homemaker or basic assistance care
Home medical services health aides can help the patient with his or her basic
personal needs such as getting out of bed, walking, bathing, and dressing. Some
aides have received specialized training to assist with more specialized care under
the supervision of a nurse.
While a patient is being medically cared for in the home, a homemaker or person
who helps with chores or tasks can maintain the household with meal preparation,
laundry, grocery shopping, and other housekeeping items
