What is In-Home Skilled Nursing Care?
In-home skilled nursing care is a specialized form of healthcare that brings essential medical services directly to individuals within the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own homes. This personalized approach to healthcare is particularly beneficial for individuals who require ongoing medical attention, assistance with daily activities, or support during recovery from surgery or illness. In-home skilled nursing care takes a concierge approach to healthcare and may include any combination of the following services.
Skilled Nursing Assessments
At the heart of in-home skilled nursing care are skilled assessments. These assessments are conducted by licensed and experienced nurses with the expertise to evaluate a patient’s health status, monitor vital signs, assess wounds or injuries, and develop tailored care plans to address the individual’s specific needs. Skilled nurses play a crucial role in identifying changes in a patient’s condition and providing timely interventions to promote optimal health and well-being.
Chronic Disease Management and Education
In-home skilled nursing care is particularly adept at managing chronic diseases, which require ongoing monitoring, treatment, and education. With proper management, the risk of hospital readmissions can be minimized and independence prolonged. Some common chronic conditions that skilled nurses help manage include:
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and other heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cancer
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Autoimmune disorders
Skilled nursing care combines the benefits of chronic disease monitoring, management, and education with the compassionate care and support needed to help clients cope with the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment – all in the comfort and security of their homes.
Post-Op Management
After undergoing surgery, clients often require specialized care and support during their recovery process. In-home skilled nursing care ensures a smooth transition from the hospital to the home environment by providing comprehensive post-operative management services. Skilled nurses can assist with wound care, monitor for signs of complications, manage pain effectively, and help clients regain their strength and mobility through personalized rehabilitation programs that also minimize the risk of hospital readmissions.
Medication Management
Effective medication management is essential for ensuring client safety and optional treatment outcomes. Skilled nurses in in-home settings play a critical role in managing medications, including:
Medication Refills: Skilled nurses ensure that clients have an adequate supply of medications by coordinating refills and organizing medication to facilitate proper dosing and administration.
Coordination with RX/MD: By working closely with pharmacists, skilled nurses ensure that medications are prescribed correctly, address any medication-related issues or concerns, and promote medication adherence to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Case Management
In-home skilled nursing care encompasses comprehensive case management services aimed at coordinating care and support for clients across the continuum of care. Some critical aspects of case management in in-home care settings include:
Coordination of Care: Skilled nurses collaborate with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement personalized care plans that address the unique needs and preferences of each individual.
Accompaniment to Medical Appointments: Skilled nursing services can include accompanying clients to medical appointments to serve as an advocate and liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring that all concerns are addressed and that clients receive the care and support they need.
Oversight of Ordered Treatment or Care Plans: By monitoring patients’ progress, evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed treatments or interventions, and adjusting care plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes, skilled nurses help ensure clients stay on track with their care.
Hospital Discharge Planning: Skilled nurses can assist clients and their families with discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital home environment, coordinate follow-up care and support services, and providing education and resources to promote self-management and recovery at home.
Triage
In-home skilled nursing care provides valuable triage services to help patients manage their health effectively. Skilled nurses offer:
Consultation on Symptom Management: Expert guidance and support on managing symptoms and addressing common health concerns at home empowers clients and their families to make informed decisions about their health and play an active role in their care.
Advisement on Emergency Care: By providing timely advice and assistance in emergency situations, skilled nurses can help clients and families navigate medical emergencies and access appropriate care and support when needed.
Additional Personalized In-Home Skilled Nursing Services
Each client is unique, and so are their in-home nursing needs. In addition to the above services, in-home skilled nursing care may also include:
Phone Support and Consultation: Clients and their families can access phone support and consultation services to provide reassurance, guidance, and expert advice on managing health-related concerns outside of scheduled visits.
Wound Care: Skilled nurses can assess wounds, clean and dress wounds, monitor for signs of infection or complications, and implement evidence-based wound care techniques to promote healing.
Assistance with Hire and Coordination of Lower-Level Care: By helping clients and their families identify care needs, select appropriate caregivers or companion care services, and coordinate transportation and escort services, skilled nurses help ensure that clients receive the support and assistance they need to maintain their independence and quality of life at home.
Access Northeast Georgia’s Premier In-Home Skilled Nursing Care
Lifesaving Hearts Nursing Solutions recognizes that being welcomed into a person’s home is a privilege, and it’s not one we take lightly. All of the nurses at Lifesaving Hearts Nursing Solutions are professional, knowledgeable, and well-prepared to serve the medical needs of our northeast Georgia clients. However, the number one requirement of all nurses, above all else, is compassion. We take a personalized approach to our client’s care and coordinate only the services you need and want. Your health, in your home, on your terms, to help you live life to the fullest.