If you're recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, you might benefit from receiving medical care in the comfort of your own home. In most cases, a physician will prescribe these services, and those costs will be covered by insurance. It can also prevent the need for hospitalization or placement in a nursing home, allowing the elderly to age in place. People dealing with long-term health issues like diabetes, obesity, or HIV/AIDS may benefit greatly.
When patients cannot leave their homes, a home health aide can help them with things like bathing, dressing, and eating. They aid with meal preparation, transportation to doctor's appointments, and cleaning. A doctor or registered nurse prescribes their services, and they work directly under their direction. Skilled care is provided by some home health aides, including dressing changes, dressing wounds, and PT/OT.
More than 3.5 million people will be employed as home health aides across the United States as of May 2020, up from 3.3 million in the previous May. The BLS predicts a 33% increase in the number of home health aides employed by 2030.
Nurses in the home healthcare industry provide medical services to patients who otherwise may not have access to those services. They offer various treatments and care, including wound care, pain management, and medication administration.
Although registered nurses make up most of the workforce in home health care, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants also find employment in this sector. A state's certification and licensing requirements must be met before they can work, and they typically do so under the direction of a registered nurse.
One's duties as a home health nurse include taking vital signs, keeping track of the patient's progress, reporting on that progress, administering medications, and keeping detailed records. You are responsible for advising patients and their loved ones on how to best deal with illness and maximize the chances of a successful recovery. You should also speak up for yourself and keep the doctor in the loop.
Therapeutic services provided by home health aides allow patients to heal in familiar surroundings. They report to a physician or other medical professional and prescribe the prescribed treatment. They assist with daily living activities such as personal care, mobility, and hygiene. Medicine and other therapies may be administered as well.
They typically find employment with a home healthcare agency with a Medicare contract. This means they have the necessary credentials to offer medical care, such as nursing or therapy. However, they also provide non-medical assistance with cooking, shopping, and cleaning. Such assistance is also known as companionship or personal care.
Therapists specializing in home health care may find employment anywhere from solo practices to large government agencies. This is an excellent choice for many PTs, especially those who want to provide home health care to patients.
One of your duties as a home health aide will be to visit patients in their homes to provide care and assistance. You'll be responsible for taking vitals, helping with personal care like bathing and dressing, and maybe even doling out pills to clients, all based on their requirements. To further assist the family, you may be asked to assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and general cleaning. Because you may need to lift, move, or transfer a patient, good physical health is essential.
Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, are frequently used by patients. They may also need help with their medical equipment, such as an oxygen tank or infusion pump. A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse (LPN) oversees home health aides and provides them with a care plan outlining the specifics of their work. They must adhere to these guidelines to keep their patients safe and themselves out of legal trouble.