Nurses visit patients at home to evaluate and monitor their condition. They assure the patient receives the services needed to carry out the physician’s treatment plan. With the goal of helping patients and their caregivers achieve independence, nurses teach patients about medications, disease process, diet, and nursing procedures, such as injections and wound care. Nurses assess the patient’s condition on each visit. Assessments may include response to medications, condition of incisions, vital signs, cardiac status, etc. Nurses evaluate home safety and provide information on prevention of falls, and medication safety.

Physical Therapists assist patients who have orthopedic, neurological, cardiac or musculoskeletal disorders, or those who are deconditioned from a prolonged illness. They combine exercise with other treatments to rehabilitate muscles and increase functional use of limbs following an accident or illness. Physical therapists develop and teach patients specific exercise programs, assist patients with walking and stair climbing, and help them improve in strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. They can assess a patient’s living quarters to minimize the safety hazards and enable him or her to function independently in and out of the home.

Speech Therapists assist patients who have swallowing difficulties as a result of neurological or physical impairment, such as surgery or other disease process. They can assess a patient’s swallowing ability, make recommendations for an appropriate diet level, and teach a patient or caregiver to monitor the swallowing function. They also assist patients with communication disorders.

Occupational Therapists assist patients who have suffered an illness or injury that affects their ability to perform activities of daily living and self-care. Tasks such as bathing, dressing and basic hygiene, as well as homemaking and cooking and feeding skills are addressed. They may recommend assistive devices to improve the patient’s independence.

Medical Social Workers assess the social and emotional factors related to the patients illness, care needs, and available resources including family support. They work with patients whose new diagnosis impacts on long term functioning; patients who lack a caregiver in the home; and who require long term support. They coordinate access to community resources.

Home Health Aides provide personal care services under the direction of a nurse or therapist. For example, they assist with bathing, dressing and meal preparation.

Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy. They work with the treatment team to develop nutritious and medically appropriate meal plans for patients who must adhere to a special diet. They educate patients and caregivers on nutritional concepts, menu planning, reading food labels, and preparing grocery lists.