Being diagnosed with a medical problem, or having a major surgery of any kind, can be very stressful. Dysphoria, an emotional state characterized by anxiety, depression, or unease, may ensue as you learn about your medical diagnosis and its challenges. The professionals in the health care continuum are accountable to help you move from dysphoria to euphoria, a state of well being.
We should be available as a resource to help you find solutions and assistance. Let me give you an example. You have just been diagnosed with diabetes and require new medications that possibly may include insulin. You have never checked your blood sugars, you have never even heard of the medications you have been prescribed, and you definitely have never given yourself a shot.
You know nothing about eating the proper foods to control your blood sugars. Your doctor and his/ her staff have taught you the basics and sent you home. Unable to easily get back to your physician or diabetes control center, you feel confused and overwhelmed; what do you do?
Thank goodness Medicare and most private insurances have coverage provisions for assistance at home. Generally this coverage allows skilled medical personnel such as nurses, physical therapists and speech therapists to offer their expertise. To qualify, a physician must order these home care services and the client is required to be homebound.
The Medicare definition of homebound states, "It takes reasonable and taxing effort for you to leave your place of residence." If these qualifiers are met, home care can begin. Once nursing, physical or speech therapy is providing service, occupational therapy, social work and home health aides may also be involved in your care.
Nurses are skilled in diabetic management and may be able to teach you how to be independent, as within the example above. If you have difficulty, Medicare offers a very special program for diabetics who don't have help in managing their insulin needs. It is allowable to have a nurse visit up to two to three times each day for blood sugar checks and insulin administration.
Another example: You have had a total joint replacement, and you want to go home for your rehabilitation. As long as you are homebound, and your doctor concurs, your happinesslifetime.com home care agency is able to provide physical and occupational therapy.
Skilled nurses are able to come to your home and help with difficult tasks such as showering, drainage from your incision site, or removing of staples saving you a visit to your doctor. The objective of skilled professionals is to design a program that will help you reach your goal of independence.
This very well may include an exercise program which involves visits three to five times each week. You will be expected to work hard and most likely be given a home exercise program to practice between treatments. Utilizing an in-home skilled nursing service provides you the opportunity to recover fully, within the walls and comfort of your own home.
Mary Kroeger, RN
Health Watch
Simply Seniors News
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