Description

Providers with a comprehensive home care license are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. These services are for people who, because of an illness, disability, or physical condition, cannot perform the tasks for themselves, or who cannot travel to receive health services. A licensed comprehensive home care agency may provide the services of licensed health professionals such as: * Nurses * Physical, speech-language, and occupational therapists * Dieticians or nutritionists * Social workers The services may include medication management; complex medical care like tube feedings and ventilator care; hands-on assistance with transfers and mobility; treatment and therapies; assisting clients with eating when the clients have complicating eating problems; and other health-related procedures. Sometimes health-related tasks are delegated to and performed by unlicensed personnel under the supervision of a registered nurse or other licensed health professionals. Home care providers with a comprehensive license also assist people with non-medical tasks, such as going to the bathroom, bathing, and transferring from one location to another. In addition, some home care providers with a state-issued comprehensive license are Medicare certified. Medicare certification indicates that the agency has met additional federal standards and inspections. Medicare certification can be important if the person getting services seeks payment from insurance or Medicare. Check under Licenses and Certifications to see if this agency is Medicare certified. MORE INFORMATION Offers the following: * Home health aides provide care according to a plan of care created by the nurse, the therapist, and the client to meet the specific needs and desires of the client * Visiting nurse program provides visits for health assessment, treatments, medication management, teaching for the client and care givers, care plan creation, and case management - The visit schedule can range from one time only, to monthly, to multiple visits daily according to the needs of the client and the authorization by the doctor and the payer * Private duty program provides Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) level care for extended hours, up to 24 hours, 7 days a week, as well as ancillary services * Medication management by reconciling the medications in the home with the medication list from the client's doctor and any ordered by the hospital or nursing home doctor - Medications can be set up by the nurse in medication minders or locked carousels that sound off when it is time to take the medications or by using labeled packets - Medication administration logs or descriptive medication information sheets can be created to further assist the client to be accurate in taking the medications - The nurse can set up a phone call system to remind the client to take medications when the med sets and alarms prove inadequate - The nurse can assist in reordering medications as needed, and have the client's pharmacy to deliver or mail the medications - A complete medication list, diagnoses list, and treatment plan is provided for the client to take to doctor or emergency room visits, or give to any 911 responders - The nurse carefully monitors the effects and side effects of the medications and reports any problems to the doctor - Injectable medications can be performed in the home to protect the client from travel related exposure to infections and bad weather Provides care for pediatric and adult clients, including those with very complex and urgent care needs. Many clients are returning home after a prolonged hospital or rehab stay. They work closely with the discharging institution nurses, doctors and therapists to assure a smooth transition and continuity of care.

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