At-home nurses, also known as home healthcare nurses or private nurses, provide medical care and support to people in the comfort of their own homes. Their role is critical in assisting patients who need ongoing medical attention but prefer to receive treatment at home rather than in a hospital or care facility. Private duty nurses are carefully vetted by an in-home nurse agency, where they receive ongoing training and receive patient assignments. And equally important – they act as a liaison between the patient, family, and the broader healthcare team, providing updates on the patient’s condition and collaborating with doctors and specialists to ensure a comprehensive care plan.
How can an at-home nurse help your loved one?
Here are some of the key responsibilities and tasks that at-home private nurses typically perform:
Assessment and Monitoring: In-home nurses assess the patient’s medical condition, monitor vital signs, and keep track of any changes in health or symptoms. They may also conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s home environment to ensure it is safe and conducive to their care.
Medication Management: They administer medications as prescribed by the patient’s healthcare provider, ensuring the correct dosage and timing. Home nurses may also educate patients and their families on medication management and potential side effects.
Wound Care: They dress and care for wounds, incisions, or injuries, ensuring proper healing and preventing infections.
Medical Procedures: After a patient has a medical procedure, home nurses may be responsible for administering intravenous (IV) therapy, catheter care, or other treatments.
Pain Management: They assist patients in managing pain and discomfort through various methods, including administering pain medications, and using non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
Disease Management and Education: Home nurses provide education and guidance to patients and their families on managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues.
Senior Care/Personal Care: A senior-care nurse may assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, especially for elderly patients or patients with limited mobility.
Nutrition Support: They monitor the patient’s nutritional needs and may provide dietary guidance, especially for individuals with specific dietary requirements.
Emotional Support: Home nurses offer emotional support and companionship to patients and their families, creating a trusting and caring relationship.
24-hour Nurse/End-of-life Care: In some cases, home nurses may provide palliative or hospice care to terminally ill patients, focusing on pain management and enhancing the quality of life in their final stages.
What Services do At Home Nurses Provide?
Overall, home nurses play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, preventing hospital re-admissions, and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals who prefer to receive medical care in the familiar and comforting environment of their own homes. If you’re seeking at-home nursing care for a family member or friend in the NYC area, trust the qualified and competent professionals at Hope Home Care, serving the five boroughs of New York and Westchester County.
