Name of the Procedure:

Home Visit for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living and Personal Care

Summary

A home visit for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal care involves having a healthcare professional visit a patient's home to help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility.

Purpose

This service is aimed at patients who have difficulty performing daily tasks due to age, illness, injury, or disability. The goal is to ensure the patient's safety, enhance their quality of life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Indications

Common indications for needing a home visit for ADLs and personal care include:

• Elderly patients with limited mobility
• Individuals recovering from surgery or a significant illness
• Patients with chronic diseases such as arthritis or COPD
• Persons with disabilities or cognitive impairments like dementia

Preparation

• No specific pre-procedure preparation is typically required for the patient.
• An initial assessment by a healthcare provider to determine the level of care needed.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional, such as a nurse or a certified nursing assistant (CNA), arrives at the patient’s home.
2. The care provider assists with various ADLs, which may include:
   • Bathing and personal hygiene
   • Dressing
   • Mobility support (transferring from bed to chair, walking assistance)
   • Feeding assistance
   • Medication reminders
3. The professional may also help with some household tasks like laundry or light cleaning to ensure a safe living environment.
4. No anesthesia or sedation is involved.

Duration

Each visit typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the patient's needs and care plan.

Setting

This procedure is performed in the patient’s home.

Personnel

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Home Health Aides

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks are involved, primarily related to physical assistance where injury from falls or improper movements could occur.
• Proper training and experience of the care provider mitigate these risks.

Benefits

• Enhances patient safety and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
• Maintains or improves the patient's quality of life and independence.
• Provides comfort and personal care in a familiar environment.
• Reduces the need for hospital or nursing home care.

Recovery

• No recovery period is required from the visit itself.
• Continuous home visits can contribute to overall long-term recovery, especially for post-surgical patients or those managing chronic conditions.

Alternatives

• Residential care facilities or nursing homes, which offer 24/7 assistance.
• Assisted living communities, offering a combination of independence and support.
• Adult day care programs providing daytime care for individuals needing assistance.

Patient Experience

• Patients generally feel comforted and supported during the visit.
• Emotional benefits from staying in a familiar home environment.
• Pain management is not typically a primary focus of these visits, but discomfort related to mobility and ADLs is addressed sympathetically.