Skilled nursing at home for better health outcomes
Receiving personalized 1:1 care at home can help detect any early complications and prevent rehospitalizations. It is also an effective way to promote independence within the home. Patients can receive a variety of services, such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home health aides. These interdisciplinary team members work together to help the patient reach their individualized goals, such as getting back to their baseline level of functioning. Home health care is an effective and personalized way to provide patients with the support they need to fully recover.
There are many benefits to having in-home recovery and rehabilitation, but one of the main benefits is the ability to recover from the comfort of one’s own home. Many individuals can become anxious and stressed in a healthcare setting. The unfamiliar staff, noises, and environment on top of a recent surgery, injury, or illness do not facilitate a healthy, healing space. In-home recovery offers the familiarity of home without the added stressors of leaving.
In-home rehabilitation also offers flexibility and convenience for patients and their family members. Patients can receive services at the time that works best for them and their caregivers. In-home services are more convenient for patients who struggle with mobility issues or health anxiety since it eliminates the need for patients to travel to an outpatient therapy center or clinic.
Why might someone need skilled nursing services?
Skilled nursing services in the home can help with a variety of conditions. A patient on our services could have recently been discharged from a long-term inpatient stay and require additional education/monitoring for their condition. They also could have recently fallen and are now unable to independently complete their daily tasks within the home. We also serve Veterans who require long-term medication assistance and additional help.
A few of the more common patients who receive home health care are:
- Recovering from a surgical procedure
- Struggling with their chronic condition – (ex: respiratory disorders such as COPD or asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and more) that may require ongoing education and monitoring to prevent additional complications or exacerbations.
- In need of wound care and dressing changes.
- Veterans- In some cases, the VA may authorize long-term home health care nursing for medication setup, general assessment, vital signs, and homemaking services.
Indicators that someone might need home health care
Home health care services benefit not only the patient, but also their family members or caregivers who take them out to appointments and assist with their medical needs. Home health care services can provide many benefits to patients who require assistance with their medical care and activities of their daily life. Some indicators that a patient might benefit from home health care services include:
- Recent or multiple hospitalizations within a short time
- Chronic medical conditions
- Cognitive impairment
- Limited mobility- patients who require an assistive device such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane, may benefit from having services come to their home.
- Difficulty complying with medical instructions- Some patients might struggle with taking their medications on time or checking their blood sugar. These are tasks that in-home nursing can help with.
Skilled in-home nursing can complete general assessments, medication education and setup, wound care, lab draws, infusions, and many other tasks. Skilled nursing will discharge a patient once their goals are met. Patients have a variety of goals, but the most common ones range from “prevent another hospitalization” to “breathe easier” to “understand my diabetes and medication better”. It is very rewarding for the home health care team to watch and assist a patient to successfully recover from the comfort of their own home. It is also rewarding for a patient to reach their goals while staying safe in their home.
Contact Us
Take our short 5-minute assessment to learn if home health care could benefit you or a loved one. For additional questions and information connect with a member of our team at (701)809-9319 or fill out an inquiry form.
More about Lizzie
My name is Lizzie Twedell and I have been a registered nurse (RN) for four years. I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2019. I started my career in the neonatal intensive care unit, caring for babies with a variety of illnesses. After two years in the NICU, I transitioned to Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice and have been with the company for almost two years. I love working in home health care and hospice because there is always something new to learn, and I value forming relationships with my patients.