Anybody who’s ever placed calls to prospective home care agencies knows the conversations can be simultaneously repetitive and confusing. On one hand, many caregiver companies have similar descriptions of services. But on the other hand, they also highlight unique distinctions and attempt to explain why those differences matter to clients.
One helpful feature only offered by a minority of home care agencies, including BrightStar Care, is registered nurse (RN) oversight. While families might assume this attribute is just another talking point, it may be the single most important tool a company can have for ensuring top-notch care
Here are reasons why complimentary nurse case management is critical for home care clients:
Patients have wide-ranging needs and diagnoses
If you’re seeking in-home care for a loved one or friend, be sure to contact BrightStar Care today for a free phone consultation or registered nurse (RN) assessment.
One helpful feature only offered by a minority of home care agencies, including BrightStar Care, is registered nurse (RN) oversight. While families might assume this attribute is just another talking point, it may be the single most important tool a company can have for ensuring top-notch care
Here are reasons why complimentary nurse case management is critical for home care clients:
Patients have wide-ranging needs and diagnoses
- Dementia – People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia require highly-specialized care, which is both a matter of practicality and safety. A RN case manager can create a customized care plan that addresses the unique needs that accompany a dementia diagnosis. These range from sharing communication techniques with caregivers to reviewing the home for safety issues that affect the cognitively impaired.
- Mobility – Clients who are non-ambulatory and those with general mobility challenges are at particular risk from inadequate care plans and unsupervised caregivers. They are obviously prone to dangerous falls, but there are other concerns also. For example, a RN case manager can advise caregivers on risks of skin ulcers for bedbound patients and demonstrate techniques for preventing them.
- Medications – Clients often don’t realize non-medical caregivers are legally prohibited from “administering” medications in many states. While all agencies utilize non-licensed aides for help with clients’ daily activities, a company with RN case management can take steps to ensure medication adherence. For example, a BrightStar Care Director of Nursing (DON) will review medications at the start-of-care assessment and can even fill pill boxes (a task that’s also off limits to caregivers and non-licensed representatives in many states).
- Chronic Disease – Some home care clients need moderate help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but are otherwise independent. However, others suffer very debilitating conditions that range from COPD to congestive heart failure (CHF). Non-medical caregivers are sometimes underqualified to care for patients with complex medical conditions without the help of a licensed RN. An agency with a nurse case manager can answer caregiver questions in real time via phone, text message or email.
- Medication Adherence – As previously stated, non-medical caregivers are prohibited from administering medications in many states. But adherence is critical to the wellbeing of patients, and RN supervision helps with this objective. A nurse case manager can actively fill pill boxes and can also give aides detailed instructions on dosing schedules and symptoms of non-adherence.
- COVID-19 and Infection Prevention – Many home care agencies have adapted their protocols to address the COVID-19 pandemic, which is great. However, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) alone isn’t sufficient. Without nurse supervision, non-medical caregivers are less likely to stay compliant with infection-prevention best practices.
- Bed Sores, Wounds and Fall Prevention – Home care aides are not engaged in nursing duties like wound care, but they are the “eyes and ears” for doctors and other medical professionals. An agency’s RN case manager can educate caregivers on troubling indicators, such as bed sores, and advise them of reporting protocols. The nurse can also train aides in fall prevention techniques and the proper use of medical devices such as Hoyer lifts for improved safety.
- Home-Based Care & COVID-19 – Given the current pandemic and limited access to medical offices, home care companies are assuming bigger roles in care coordination activities previously managed by primary care physicians. Agency functions that were once considered “concierge” are now becoming necessary.
- Changes in Condition – A nurse can identify needs based on start-of-care assessments and ongoing reassessments. He can also train caregivers to properly report changes in condition that might warrant action. If the RN case manager does determine a medical referral is necessary, he can help schedule the doctor’s appointment or even facilitate doctors’ orders for lab testing or home-based physical therapy.
- Knowledge of the Healthcare Ecosystem – A nurse speaks the language of doctors and other medical professionals. Home care agencies without RN case managers often struggle to coordinate other healthcare services, since they lack the medical and logistical knowledge needed to secure doctors’ orders.
If you’re seeking in-home care for a loved one or friend, be sure to contact BrightStar Care today for a free phone consultation or registered nurse (RN) assessment.