Discover the various responsibilities of home health aides, professional nursing care, and CNA’s in providing top-quality home care to patients.
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A testimonial…
My mom lived to be 78, she died peacefully a few days after we placed her in hospice.She did not want to die at home, she joked that was for the rich folks, she would tease. She had survived breast cancer twice in remission, then when she lost her balance at my college graduation. Sadly, the horrible ordeal of cancer had showed her a bad hand once again.
It had return with a vengeance, she was then in her early 70’s and my older sibling thought it was the end. However, as the baby son of the family, me and my wife was not giving up. The oncologist had given her prognosis a grim update, she only had months to live. So, we moved her out of her apartment and gave her our college bound daughter’s old room.
Like most independent older adults, they are very stubborn and set in their ways. They don’t like to live with anyone nor do they like being told what to do by their grown children.Furthermore, my wife was getting a bit frustrated, because when my mom got sick from her chemotherapy, someone had to be around to make sure she was ok.
In retrospect, I must say the chemotherapy did its thing, sure she lost her beautiful silver hair, had neuropathy in her fingers/toes, and dark colored nails. Nonetheless, my older sisters made sure she was well taken care of. We also had an Registered Nurse who was in charge of her care plan, and since she did have insurance, they sent home care aides and or nurse’s assistant in three times a week.
This respite gave me my wife a huge break.We could leave to go visit our daughter in school, and be satisfied that someone was there trained to care for her.
Be sure to select a qualified individual to provide care for your loved ones at home. If possible, seek guidance from a professional nurse with experience in their specific care needs.
Registered nurses excel in their profession, possessing comprehensive training in the spectrum of diseases. Many RNs collaborate closely with oncologists and possess expertise in providing cancer treatment both at home and in medical settings. Fortunate for us, my mom was a retired school teacher and had the proper insurance and money to live comfortably. Yet the cancer had return, ruining any chances of a beach side lifestyle.
The guide below will help in Understanding home health, professional nursing care, CDS, nurse’s aids and certification
CDS:
The MO CDS Program, Is a Medicaid Funded program that gives seniors and people with disabilities the flexibility and freedom to choose their caregivers, including family members and friends!
If you or your loved one has Medicaid and need help with activities of daily living, you may be eligible.
Home health care has become an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing convenient and personalized care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Home health aides (HHAs), professional nurses, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play critical roles in providing top-quality home care to patients. These individuals work closely with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. In this article, we will explore the various responsibilities of home health aides, professional nurses, and CNAs in providing top-quality home care to patients.
Home Health Aides (HHAs) Home health aides are trained caregivers who provide personal care and assistance to patients in their homes. These individuals work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive appropriate care.
Some of the essential responsibilities of home health aides in providing top-quality home care include: 1. Assisting with Personal Care: One of the primary responsibilities of home health aides is to help patients with their personal care needs. This may include bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. HHAs are trained to provide these services with sensitivity and respect for the patient’s privacy.
2. Providing Medication Reminders: Home health aides are also responsible for reminding patients to take their medications on time, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. They may also assist with medication administration if the patient is unable to do so independently.
3. Monitoring Vital Signs: HHAs are trained to monitor patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, at regular intervals. They report any significant changes to the registered nurse or healthcare provider. 4. Assisting with Mobility: Many patients receiving home care have limited mobility due to illness or injury. Home health aides are responsible for helping patients with mobility exercises, transferring them from one position to another, and assisting with the use of medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.
Professional Nurses Professional nurses, including registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), play crucial roles in providing top-quality home care. They work closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Some of the essential responsibilities of professional nurses in home care include: 1. Assessing and Managing Patients’ Conditions: One of the primary responsibilities of professional nurses in home care is to assess patients’ health status and develop a care plan to meet their needs. They monitor patients’ progress, make adjustments to the care plan as needed and communicate with other healthcare providers as necessary.
2. Administering Medications and Treatments: Professional nurses are responsible for administering medications and treatments to patients in their homes, as prescribed by their healthcare provider. They also educate patients and their families about medications and treatments and monitor for any adverse reactions.
3. Educating Patients and Families: Professional nurses play a crucial role in educating patients and their families about the patients’ health conditions, self-care techniques, and safety measures to take at home. This education helps patients and their families manage the patient’s health condition and prevent complications. 4. Supervising and Training Home Health Aides and CNAs: Professional nurses often supervise and train home health aides and CNAs in providing care to patients at home. They ensure that these caregivers are following the care plan and providing quality care to patients.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Certified nursing assistants play an essential role in providing top-quality home care to patients. They work under the supervision of professional nurses to provide basic care to patients. Some of the essential responsibilities of CNAs in home care include: 1. Assisting with Daily Activities: CNAs are responsible for helping patients with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also assist with light housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment for the patient.
2. Monitoring Patients’ Health Status: CNAs are responsible for monitoring patients’ health status and reporting any changes to the professional nurse or healthcare provider. They also document patients’ vital signs and other health-related information.
3. Providing Emotional Support: Many patients receiving home care may feel isolated, especially if they are unable to leave their homes. CNAs provide emotional support, companionship, and social interaction to these patients, which can improve their overall well-being. 4. Supporting Rehabilitation: CNAs play a crucial role in supporting patients’ rehabilitation by assisting with exercises, positioning, and using medical equipment as directed by the healthcare provider.
In conclusion, Home health aides, professional nurses, and CNAs all have critical and complementary roles in providing top-quality home care to patients. They work together as a team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care in the comfort of their own homes. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Final note:
It may become very stressful trying to find care for your loved ones at home, especially when they are sick. Many families only options is to place them in nursing homes or assisted living.
I have worked in the CNA field for many years, and I have seen so much from nursing homes to client’s care at their own homes. You have families who need a respite, and can’t depend on other members of the family to step in. As a results, they have to rely on Medicare/Medicaid, or paying out of pocket, to get someone to come into the homes when needed.
This is not a comprehensive approach to care, when it comes to needing professional nursing in your home. In closing, make sure you speak with your physician or health care team to find the right care for your loved ones.
More:
https://health.mo.gov/safety/fcsr
References can be found on Google and Wikipedia.
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