5 Signs A Loved One May Need A Home Nurse

Caring for loved ones as they age or face health issues comes with its own set of challenges. As their needs evolve, you might find it increasingly difficult to manage everything independently. Balancing daily responsibilities, medical requirements and emotional well-being can become overwhelming. It's important to recognise when additional support might be beneficial to help maintain their safety and happiness. In this blog, we’ll explore signs indicating it might be time to consider the assistance of a home nurse.

Individuals facing health challenges may struggle with daily activities. Here are some signs you can look out for:

• Difficulty getting in and out of the bath or shower, maintaining balance while washing or properly cleaning oneself can be signs that assistance is needed.
• Challenges with putting on clothes and managing buttons or zippers might indicate the need for support.
• Trouble with brushing hair, shaving or other grooming activities may also suggest that additional help is necessary.

Mobility issues can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and safety. Challenges with balance and coordination may increase the risk of falls, heightening the potential for injuries. Over time, these mobility limitations can compromise a person’s independence.

Home nurses can offer support to address mobility issues. By guiding safe movement practices and offering continuous supervision, they can help individuals maintain their mobility. This support can enable your loved one to remain active and reduce the risk of falls and injuries, fostering a safer living environment​.

 As health issues become more complex, managing multiple medications can be overwhelming. Your loved one may struggle to keep track of their prescriptions, potentially leading to missed doses or incorrect usage. This can result in adverse health effects and decreased effectiveness of their treatment.

A home nurse can assist with medication management by verifying dosages, timing and the correct method of administration. This support might help maintain treatment effectiveness and prevent complications from drug interactions or missed doses.

Complex health conditions require special care and frequent medical attention. Home nurses are trained to handle a variety of complex health needs. They can offer continuous monitoring of chronic conditions and provide palliative care when necessary. These nurses can oversee the management and treatment of complex wounds. For patients with tracheostomies, home nurses focus on maintaining airway patency and preventing complications through routine cleaning and emergency​​ care.

Home nurses can also provide stoma care. They can collaborate closely with general practitioners, social workers and other professionals. This medical support can help manage your loved one's health and provide them with necessary care at home.

Social interaction is crucial for mental and emotional well-being, but people may face increasing isolation as they age. If you notice changes in your loved one's social habits or mood, it may be a sign that they need additional support. Home nurses can offer emotional support, which may help reduce feelings of loneliness.

Regular social interaction and engagement in activities can help maintain mental health and foster a positive outlook on life. In-home carers can also coordinate social activities and outings, allowing your loved one to stay connected with the community.

At Velan Health, our services range from managing daily tasks and medical requirements to providing emotional support. If you have observed any signs suggesting your loved one might need home nurses on the Gold Coast, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to help you learn more about in-home nursing on the Gold Coast.