Why Home Health

Overview

Reduces cost

Decreased stays in hospital

Growing number of elderly and chronically ill

Prefer to be in familiar surroundings

Referrals

DoctorHospital discharge planner

Social servicesPublic healthWelfare office

Agency on agingSenior center

Statistics

• CDC– 1.5 million HH clients– Length of stay 315 days– Diabetes – most common– Most aged 65 or over– 6 out of 10 women– 8 out of 10 white

Home Health versus Other Facilities• Housekeeping• Family contact• Independence• Communication• Transportation• Safety• Flexibility• Working environment• Client’s Home

Care Plans

Factors

• Health and physical condition

• Diagnosis and treatment

• Goals and expectations

HHA Responsibilities

• Safe and secure environment

• Role models

• Assist with self-care

HHATasks

HHAs DO NOT!!!

• Give medications• Insert or remove tubes• Honor request outside their scope of practice• Do sterile procedures• Diagnose or prescribe• Tell client or family diagnosis or treatment

plan

Setting Boundaries

• Always be professional• Don’t become overly involved with client– Emotionally• Loose your judgment

– Personally• become more friend than HHA

Common Policies

• Confidentiality• Follow care plan• Report regularly• Don’t discuss personal problems• Be punctual and dependable• Follow deadlines• Do not accept gifts

Organize Care Assignments

Work efficiently

Timeline

Mr. Brown - Monday2:00 lunch dishes

  clean counters and sink  mop kitchen floor

2:30 straighten and dust living area

2:45assist Mr. Brown with bathing, grooming and dressing

3:20 clean bathroom

3:35prepare casserole - put in oven on timed bake to finish

  at 5:30, when Mr. Brown's daughter gets here3:55 tidy kitchen & say goodbye