Visiting Nurses

Visiting Nurses Services - Tips for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org

Visiting Nurses Services - Tips for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org
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What Is A Visiting Nurse?

What do you do when you are aging and can no longer take care of yourself? When your medical problems are past what a family caretaker or home caretaker can handle? What do you do when even a home health aide does not have the skill and knowledge to take care of you? 

Many family caretakers are often faced with this dilemma. They want to keep their senior or elderly family member where the person feels most comfortable. That means in their own home, among their own things.

Often, the needs of the patient outweigh the skill and expertise of the home caregiver or the home health aide. That's when the services of a visiting nurse can be used. 
Visiting nurses have licensed nurses, usually LPNs, who visit the home and supply care to the elderly or senior patient. They are very similar to home health aides. Visiting nurses, however, have more extensive medical knowledge and training. The main goal of the visiting nursing program is to allow seniors and the elderly to live in their homes as long as it is safely possible. Visiting nurses work directly under a physician and follow the orders given by the patient's doctor. Visiting nurses provide a variety of services including:
In addition, visiting nurses help those who are diagnosed with a chronic disease learn to manage the disease, regardless of age. Signs a senior or older adult needs the services of a visiting nurse include: 
What Is A Visiting Nurse?
  • Having difficulty walking and sudden or frequent falls
  • Poor hygiene and grooming including wearing soiled clothing and exhibiting a loss of interest or difficulty in showering or bathing
  • Incontinence
  • Change in appetite or weight
  • Lack of nutritious food in the home
  • No longer participates activities they once enjoyed
  • Increasing isolation
  • Poor judgment
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Mishandled medication
  • Poor housekeeping 
  • Unopened mail and past-due bills
Visiting nurses provide both companionship and medical services to their patients. They are available for a few hours-per-day or round-the-clock care. Visiting nurses are licensed in the state in which they practice. 

They are required to keep their licenses and training updated and must submit to criminal background checks. Visiting nurses are closely supervised by both doctors and registered nurses.  Non-medical services visiting nurses may provide include: 
  • Housekeeping services
  • Errands
  • Personal Care and Grooming
Visiting nurses may be part of the local hospital discharge program, which provides home healthcare for a certain amount of time after a senior is released from the hospital. However, these services are rarely covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Private insurance will often cover discharge services, but check with your insurance company first. 
Visiting nurses also offer hospice care. Working with a hospice team of home health aides, doctors, and social workers, visiting nurses provide the care needed by the patient in a compassionate and caring manner. It is possible for a hospice patient to begin care with the services of a home health aide and then switch to a visiting nurse when a change in care levels becomes necessary. Visiting nurses for the elderly may also specialize in certain areas of caregiving and treatment including:
  • Oncology services
  • Vascular services
  • Cardiac services
  • Neurological services
  • Dementia and Alzheimer's services
Visiting Nurses Fees

Visiting nurses fees can be steep. Charges may range anywhere from $15-$50 per hour, depending on the level of care and area of the US. Medicare and Medicaid only pay for visiting nurses in certain situations.  In isolated or remote areas, where it can be challenging to get a senior to the hospital, Medicaid will cover specific services. Depending on what part of Medicare is used, a portion may be paid.

Private insurance is the most reliable when it comes to paying the fees for a visiting nurse. However, not all policies cover visiting nurses, so check with your insurance agent. Visiting nurses may partner with agencies such as Meals on Wheels or the Department of Family and Children Services. This partnership allows seniors and the elderly to receive the services of visiting nurses at a reduced rate. 
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