Aged Care

Home Care Nursing

When you or a loved one has been in the hospital and are told that Home Health Nursing has been ordered by the doctor, many questions and doubts are likely to arise. These steps will help you get the most from your experience.

1 .Know that a patient has the right to choose the particular agency that provides the service necessary. They also have the right to refuse Home Health Care,even if ordered by the doctor, though it is not advisable to reject your doctor’s suggestions without first discussing your concerns and question.

2. Take home all discharge papers and make sure that you have been given contact information for your chosen agency. If not, ask for it.

3. Get prepeared for the initial visit by having available insurance cards and current medications. They will need the patient’s health history. Don’t forget to make a list of questions or concerns you or your family may have.

4. Take a few moments to relax before the nurse arrives. Much more can be accomplished if the atmosphere is calm and everyone is ready to hear what the nurse has to say. Listen carefully to what your nurse says and ask questions even if it sounds silly, and be sure to take notes.

5. Know that the nurse is in the home to teach the patient and their caregivers and be a source of information and support. They are not there to replace the Doctor or to take the role of primary caregiver.

6. Understand that Medicare and Insurance companies are the rule-setters of the Home Care industry. Your nurse must follow the guidelines set down by these agencies unless you are prepared to pay for your own out-of-pocket care. If you truly feel that your agency is denying you care that you should be receiving you have the right to appeal to your Government Health Department.

7. Actively participate in planning your care with your nurse. After the initial visit you should know how many times a week you will receive care, as well as a general idea of what those visits will consist of and what the end result should be.

8. Make and keep all follow-up appointments with your health care providers, especially your Primary Care Provider. Without a doctor’s orders, the nurse cannot care for or treat you.

9. Home Care worker visit their patients mainly in the daytime, and at times cannot be there at the exact time promised. They should contact you by phone if they will be late.

10. Work towards your goals and if you encounter difficulties, tell your nurse. Provide your nurse and the agency with feed-back that you feel is important to your care.