As the aging population continues to rise, the demand for home health & hospice in Kansas and across the nation is expected to grow significantly. To help meet the rising demands, most home care providers employ nurses who play a vital role in patient care. Through their services, patients can experience better outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we will discuss the critical role of nurses in home health and hospice:
- Home Health Care
In a home care setting, nurses provide care through follow-up treatment post-discharge from a hospital or similar medical care environment. Home care nurses are typically self-directed and interact with patients and their families.
Their daily tasks include medication administration, wound care, monitoring vital signs, and developing a care plan with the physician. They may also assist with mobility and activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming.
- Hospice Care
Nurses that provide hospice care services may help the family learn to care for a loved one at home. They provide direct care and may provide respite to family caregivers. Hospice nurses focus solely on end-of-life care. Hence, they provide hands-on nursing care around the clock.
Additionally, they perform patient assessments, provide emotional support, and can act as a mediator between the patient, family, and the rest of the hospice care team. Hospice nurses can also prescribe medications or treatments and supervise or manage medical care. Additionally, they can act as an advocate for patients as well.
If you have a loved one who can benefit from hospice or home health in Wichita, Kansas, we at Providence Home Health and Hospice LLC are available to help. For more details about our services, give us a call.
