Home Health Care
Home Health Care promotes family integrity and the independence of the individual in need of care. Home care is best suited for individuals who do not
need the 24-hour, around the clock supervision and monitoring that only hospitals and nursing homes can provide. The program of care can be short or long
term, and is available for all ages.
Home Care Program:
The Home Care Program is professional, caring services at home. Home Care workers provide a full range of health care services to a patient in the
comfort of their home.
Who are these workers?
Most of the services are provided by registered nurses and home health aides. Registered physical therapists and an occupational therapist are available
as consultants. Homemaking services are available to low income patients.
What kind of work do they do?
Registered nurses (R.N.) do an assessment of the patient in their home. Based on physician orders, and the wishes of the patient and their family, it is
determined which services the patient needs and how frequently they will be provided.
Registered Nurses:
- Do the initial assessment and plan of care
- Check blood pressure and other vital signs
- Give injections
- Teach/provide colostomy or catheter care
- Teach a new diabetic about their condition
- Change a dressing on a wound
- Give instructions on a new diet
- Assist a new stroke patient to make lifestyle adjustments
- Monitor medication administration
Home Health Aides are specially trained to assist in the direct care of patients at home. They are assigned and supervised by a nurse and:
- Assist with bathing and personal care
- Assist with a home exercise program
- Prepare meals
- Assist with hair and oral care
- Provide emotional support
- Encourage independence
Physical therapists and an Occupational therapist are available to the nursing staff. They provide treatment and exercise programs as ordered by the
physician. They work with the nurses, home health aides, patients and family members suggesting ways to do therapy in the home setting.
How are these people paid for their services?
These people are employees of Le Sueur County or in the case of therapists, are contracted for services by Le Sueur County Public Health. Possible
payment sources for home health care are Medicare, Medical Assistance, private insurance, Veteran's Administration and Grants. If the patient does not
qualify for any of these programs, services will be charged to the patient on a sliding fee scale based on income.
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