RESPONSIBILITIES
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
1) Conduct thorough assessments: Perform comprehensive evaluations to identify patients' needs, functional limitations, and goals. Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings and collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed.
2) Provide therapeutic interventions: Deliver evidence-based physical therapy treatments to address patients' impairments, including exercises, manual therapy, mobility training, pain management techniques, and modalities as appropriate. Continuously monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
3) Educate and instruct: Educate patients and their family on proper techniques, exercises, and strategies to optimize recovery and prevent future injuries. Empower patients to actively participate in their rehabilitation journey and promote self-management skills.
4) Maintain accurate documentation: Document all patient evaluations, progress notes, treatment plans, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory and reimbursement requirements. Keep thorough records of patient care and communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team.
5) Ensure safety and infection control: Adhere to safety protocols and infection control measures while providing care in patients' homes. Assess the home environment for potential hazards and recommend modifications as needed to enhance safety and accessibility.
6) Collaborate with healthcare professionals: Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care, establish goals, and ensure optimal outcomes. Participate in case conferences and provide input to develop comprehensive care plans.
NURSES
1) Patient Care: The home nurse is responsible for providing the patient direct care such as monitoring vital signs, administering and checking on
medications, assisting patient with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing, and involving themselves in the implementing of care plans developed by the healthcare team.
2) Assessments and Documentation: Home Healthcare Nurse should always take note of the patient’s health status, document findings accurately and truthfully, and maintain updated records of the patient’s condition, treatments and progress so that any changes and concerns can also be
reported to the appropriate healthcare professionals involved.
3) Care planning and coordination: The Home Healthcare Nurse must also
involve him/herself in the development and implementation of individualized plan of care for patients through collaborating with other
healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care to ensure proper coordination, continuity of care, and effectiveness of treatments and interventions.
4) Education and Support: The Home Nurse can also provide education and support to the patient and their families regarding the patient’s condition, self-care techniques, how to administer medications and manage them, and any modifications the patient and their family can do within their lifestyle. Education must also promote patient and family engagement in the care process as well as address any questions or concerns.
5) Medication Management: The Home Nurse manages and administers medications prescribed to their patients, ensuring proper dosage, timing
and documentation. They should educate patients and their families on medication regimens, potential side effects that may arise, and the importance to why they should adhere to prescribed treatments.
6) Wound Care and Dressing Changes: If deemed necessary, the Home Nurse should perform and document appropriate wound care techniques, including cleaning, dressing changes, and monitoring wound healing progress as well as making sure that they practice infection control protocols and sterile procedures to prevent any harm and complications.
7) Monitoring and Reporting: Home Nurse must check and observe for any signs and changes of deterioration. They should promptly report any concerns or abnormal findings to the healthcare team so that there can be adjustments to the plan of care and ensure timely interventions as needed.
8) Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Home Nurse must ensure patient safety by assessing and addressing safety risks within the home environment, making recommendations for modifications or adaptations to promote patient safety. They should also educate patients and their caregivers on emergency procedures and provide guidance on when to
seek immediate medical attention.