Benefits of House Visits in Nursing Homes
- Individual care in a familiar environment: A house visit allows the doctor to see the patients in their usual surroundings. This is particularly important for assessing overall health and quality of life. The doctor can check the living and care conditions on-site and identify potential problems early.
- Comfort and stress avoidance: For many nursing home residents, visiting a medical practice can be stressful, exhausting, or uncomfortable. A house visit spares the residents from this burden and ensures they continue to feel safe and comfortable.
- Continuous medical care: The doctor can make regular house visits to monitor the residents’ health. This is especially critical for chronic illnesses or older individuals who rely on regular medical attention.
- Adjustment of treatment and care: Through direct contact, the doctor can tailor treatment to the specific needs of the nursing home resident. Additionally, the doctor can closely collaborate with the nursing staff to ensure that all therapeutic measures are properly implemented.
- Prevention of hospital admissions: In some cases, house visits can help avoid unnecessary hospital stays. Early interventions and regular medical examinations allow health issues to be identified and treated before they escalate.
Services Provided During House Visits in Nursing Homes
House calls in nursing homes can include various medical services tailored to the patient’s condition:
- Medical examination and diagnostics: The doctor conducts a thorough examination, checking vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight. If necessary, additional diagnostic tests like blood tests or X-rays can be performed.
- Medication management: The doctor reviews medication administration, ensures dosages are correct, and makes adjustments if needed. They can also monitor medication tolerance and identify interactions.
- Treatment of acute or chronic conditions: The doctor can provide targeted treatments for acute illnesses or chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or respiratory problems.
- Therapy adjustments: Based on observations in the nursing home, the doctor can make adjustments to therapies to ensure the best possible care for the patient.
- Collaboration with nursing staff: The doctor works closely with the nursing staff to ensure all care and medical measures are coordinated. The staff receives essential instructions to provide targeted support to the patient.
- Advice and education: The doctor can advise patients, nursing staff, and relatives on relevant health topics, such as proper nutrition, promoting physical activity, or disease prevention. This helps enhance the residents’ well-being.
Frequency of House Visits
The frequency of house visits varies depending on the resident’s health condition. Some patients require regular doctor visits, while others may only need a visit in case of health deterioration or acute issues.
- Regular preventive check-ups: A doctor can visit periodically to carry out preventive measures or monitor health conditions.
- Acute medical conditions: In the event of sudden illness or a deterioration in health, the doctor will make a house visit on short notice.
- Long-term care for chronic illnesses: For patients with chronic conditions, the doctor can make house visits to monitor disease progression and adjust therapies accordingly.
Organization of House Visits in Nursing Homes
The organization of house visits is often coordinated by the care facility and the attending general practitioner or specialist. Nursing homes usually assist with scheduling and coordination. Doctors may work as contracted physicians for the nursing home or as part of general practitioner agreements for nursing homes.
In some cases, an external network of doctors or a home visit service for nursing homes may also be available to ensure medical care.
Conclusion
House visits by doctors in nursing homes offer a vital addition to medical care and improve the quality of life for residents. They enable individualized, continuous care and help detect and treat health issues early. Regular house visits ensure comprehensive care that meets the residents’ needs while reducing the burden on nursing homes and their residents.