In the previous article, we talked about some of the advantages of home care. However, not all of your loved one’s needs can be met with home care. It may also be that the time is not yet right for such a service. How do you know then when to seek home care?
Health Needs
1. Controlled chronic disease(s) and medication management (e.g. pain management and intravenous therapy or injections). If your loved one has asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic diseases and is taking a number of medications, it may be helpful to have someone review his/her prescriptions and ensure he/she is complying appropriately with the dosing schedule. Having someone monitor your loved one’s progress and status – whether it is improving or worsening – is also helpful.
2. Healing post-surgical wound and pressure ulcer prevention. Your loved one can continue recovery at home instead of in the hospital after a surgical procedure, especially if there have been no complications. Wound dressings can be done by home care nurses, as well as ensuring that adequate repositioning is performed especially for bedridden patients to reduce the risk of developing ulcers.
3. Fall prevention and rehabilitation. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in the home. Home care services can include rehabilitation programs for muscle strengthening and balance retraining, as well as screening and interventions for environmental risk factors.
Social Support and Daily Living
Your loved one may have conditions that may prevent them from doing the activities they need, want, or enjoy. A home health care worker can accompany and assist them. What are some events that you should watch out for?
1. Losing a driver’s license and mobility
2. Increasing gaps in memory that compromise safety (e.g. taking a walk and forgetting to get home)
3. Losing track of grooming and hygiene
4. Forgetting to take medications and keep appointments
5. Having a fear of being alone
6. Being unable to run errands (e.g. do groceries), manage finances, make phone calls, eat properly, and bathe
7. Depression and social isolation
COVID-19 Pandemic
In a time of a pandemic, such as with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at present, the need for home care services changes. As part of infection prevention and control measures, residents of long-term care facilities will be limited to in-house employees. However, due to the social distancing protocol in place, some people cannot visit or are unable to check on the heath of their loved ones.
If you require assistance, Likas Nursing and Home Care can help you take care of your loved ones and provide you peace of mind. Call us at 778-772-8026 or 604-754-8781 for a free consultation! We prepare a nursing care plan tailored to your needs.
